A Coffebean, the Coronavirus, and the Condition of our Hearts

See this guy- the one on the right? You wouldn't guess that he was at the hospital until after midnight last night, would you? When he went down around 7:30, it was to dislodge a coffee bean from a toddler's nose. Easy enough. He thought he would make it back in time for Bible Study. However, as anyone in healthcare knows, even "routine procedures" can go south, and you have to be prepared for when they do. Thankfully, when the child had a reaction to the small dose of sedative they gave, everyone was prepared. The ambu bag was in place, the crash cart was charged, and the resuscitation skills that he recently trained staff in were implemented speedily and efficiently.

This same scenario could have played out in America or anywhere else, and the outcome may or may not have been the same. We don't know. It's these situations, as well as COVID-19 reeking havoc worldwide, that remind us that we really have little control over events in this life. Yes, we have technology and research and knowledge to hopefully combat viral pandemics around the world. And, as humans living in today's place in history, we also have a responsibility to make wise decisions with the knowledge that we have. But also, a coffee bean in the nose should be a ROUTINE fix. My friend who died last month could have had her death averted if routine preventative care had been taken years ago to diagnose her condition. Yet, our other friend who died a couple of weeks ago received all of the preventative measures and high-tech cancer treatment, but none could ultimately save him. So, it's easy to point to any given scenario and say that the outcome (whether positive or negative) was "a result of           " What's often harder to say is that there is a God who is in control of all situations, and that He works good in this world despite human injustices, or tragedy, or strife. Nothing is a surprise to Him, and nothing is outside of His means to bring light into dark places, and grace into broken systems. This is something that we should take comfort in. He equips us to do good and to prevent suffering, but He also is the One who uses brokenness and suffering to give us a much greater Hope than the hope that is in our own hands.

A coffee bean in the nose of a toddler and a worldwide viral pandemic are good reminders to us that we are to called to prepare for all things, but to praise Him in all things. The easier thing is the preparation part. Westerners especially like to be prepared. We like to have Plan A, B, and C always in place. We value forward-thinking, preventative policies, open communication, and plenty of insurance. The bottom line is that we like being in control. But, what if these unexpected situations- Coronavirus or routine procedures that end tragically- were not ultimately meant to teach us how to have better control or to be better prepared (even though that may be a secondary benefit)? What if on a deeper level they were meant to teach us how to face our fears, hold our hands open, and say, "God, I will praise you in all things?" That is a whole lot harder than putting our nose to ground and working tirelessly to protect ourselves or others from the consequences of living in a broken world. It addresses the condition of our hearts, our own human mortality, and where we place our hope. That is hard work- it is heart work. It is the work of relinquishing fear and embracing vulnerability.

Today I am thankful for the work my husband does to alleviate suffering and to equip others to prevent future suffering. I am thankful for measures that actually worked as they are supposed to and that another tragic ending was averted. But, I am also thankful for the testimony of our two physician friends who have lost their lives this year, yet who always directed people's hearts to praise God in all things. Really, we are mere humans. Our days are counted before we are born. May each one be lived not in fear but in bold faith of the assurance that a good God is in control of all things.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. 

In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

Breathe.

{This is Life.}