Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
I used to be a ‘fire at the pin’ guy. I sometimes revert to that mindset when playing with friends and skins are on the line, but for the most part, I have become a ‘middle of the green’ type player.
Through experience, I have learned that the path to better scores isn’t the rare birdie barrage but rather the consistent curtailment of squandered strokes. This default setting change has resulted in a lower handicap.
I’ve also shifted my thinking off the course by following Paul’s charge to the Romans in today’s verse. While by no means a finished product, I am in the process of mind renewal due largely to time spent in the Word.
One verse in particular helps me see things through a different lens: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). This outlook helps me keep incidents like the following in perspective.
“It’s not an emergency, but it is urgent.”
Say what? Not what you want to hear as you’re on the operating table awaiting nap juice for a colonoscopy.
“Your heart is in A-fib.”
What is going on here? Those words could have sparked a short-soiling episode if I had anything left in my system,
My gastroenterologist canceled the procedure on the spot due to my apparent arrhythmia, saying it wasn’t worth the risk. Fair enough.
However, after I showed the EKG to my primary care physician and an anesthesiologist at my club, they agreed the procedure could have gone as planned. In other words, they confirmed my toilet time had been a waste.
My wife told me at some point, “You are handling this situation gracefully. It must be disappointing to know you did all that prep for nothing.”
She’s not wrong. It is disappointing, but I found no reason to be mad. At that moment, I realized that my mind was actually being renewed.
Previously, I would have gone dark and claimed a conspiracy, but now I see setbacks like these as fodder for new devotions!
I don’t think the doctor intentionally tried to inconvenience me. To his credit, he had my best interest in mind by erring on the side of caution. Am I supposed to be upset that he didn’t want to put my life at risk?
Despite the double whammy of a postponed procedure and a troublesome ticker, I was able to find humor in the moment. I inquired whether the previous night’s prep would count toward a rescheduled colonoscopy. My doctor chuckled before responding, “Unfortunately, no.” True story!
How will it end? Not sure yet. What I do know is that God has been and always will be on His throne. Unfortunately for me, I’ll soon be back on mine. Hopefully, this time, it will be worth it.
Prayer: Lord, help us renew our minds through time in your Word and focus on things above, not on earthly things.