Caretaking

The wheels have been set in motion. I got myself scheduled for the procedure everyone dreads — a colonoscopy. I actually went to the doctor of my own free will and asked for one, even though there’s nothing wrong with me. Good grief. What was I thinking?

Truth is, I was thinking “it’s about time”. And when I say I went of my own free will, what I really did was succumb to the arm twisting. No, nobody’s been harassing me, but you know what it’s like. All the medical information I read keeps telling me I should get one of these fun little procedures now that I’ve turned 50 (okay, so that was almost three years ago). Also, when I went in for my regular check-up last fall, my doctor wanted to set one up. I told her I needed to wait for a time that would be more convenient in my husband’s schedule since I knew I’d need him to come with me.

Now that may sound like an excuse, but it’s true. And since Christmas and spring breaks are always so crammed with other things, those wouldn’t work. Also holding me back from wanting to schedule medical stuff for myself is the fact that I accompany my mother-in-law to four different doctors on a regular basis. Do I hear an “I understand” out there? Can I get a witness? :)

Well, it’s now summer. No more excuses. Okay, so I tried one other excuse :) That one didn’t work out either so here I am, set up for the first week in August. I’ve gotta tell you — I’m not looking foward to this new experience. And something tells me that having it done once won’t help me look forward to it the next time either. Kind of like the good ole mammograms, I suppose. And yes, I was tardy getting started with those on a regular basis, too. I’ll spare you the excuses for that one :)

I’m sure I’ll feel good about getting the colonoscopy after it’s over, knowing I’ve done the prudent thing. With the medical advances and preventative health measures we now enjoy, I know I need to act responsibly in taking care of my health. How can I, in good conscience, keep asking God to protect my health when I’m neglecting to do the things I can do to protect it? (Ouch, huh?)

There’s a a lot of talk right now about going green. God has made us caretakers of this earth (remember the creation story?), and we have a responsibility to fill. God has also given us our bodies, amazing as they are and intricately made. As believers, the Word of God tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). I would say that makes us caretakers of them as well. If you’re like me, you may need to work on your caretaking skills in one or both of these areas. Let’s do it together. Any caretaking tips, health or environment, you’d like to share?

*Flickr photo by .reid.

**Wanted to tell you some good news concerning my writing — Blue Mountain Arts has bought another piece of mine to use on an upcoming greeting card! Yippee!! Thank You, Lord!

Comments

  1. Congrats on your greeting card piece!!! That’s great and I’m sure just the inspiration you need. Keep doing what you do. You do such a great job!

    Good luck with the colonoscopy! I DO NOT look forward to that when my time comes!

  2. A greeting card? That is so exciting! Think how many people will be blessed, right when they need to be blessed! Congratulations!

    Yep, I just turned the big 4 – 0, and I need to start those dreaded mammograms. I am procrastinating. ;-)

    Praying all goes well for you.

  3. Lisa & Renae, thanks for the congrats and sharing in my joy on this latest greeting card. It’s a thrill each and every time it happens.

    You gals have a 10-year reprieve from the ole colonoscopy — enjoy it :) Just be sure to go for the mammograms. (I can say this now that I’ve started having them!) Better to catch any problem early.

    Blessings to you both!

  4. Your blog is convicting. I haven’t seen a doctor for anything in years. Now I must pray on this. Ugh.

    Hope all your results turn out fine.
    In Him,
    Nancy

    PS-Congratulations on the writing! Yeah!

  5. I know what you mean, Nancy. I’ve felt convicted about these issues several times myself. I pray God’s guidance for you as you seek His wisdom about health issues… And thanks for the congrats!

  6. Congratulations on the greeting card piece!
    A colonoscopy…you’re brave! :)
    I just stumbled on your blog and wanted to comment. I’ve enjoyed your writing this afternoon!

  7. Anna, welcome to my blog! So glad you enjoyed your visit!

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