Friday, September 21, 2012

Hearing Tests and Mysterious Masses

Went to visit my doctor this morning.  Just a typical, run-of-the-mill checkup.  My medical history is a snore (thank you, Jesus!) so I expected nothing unusual from this visit.  I went through the preliminary tests and laughed with the nurse when we remembered how confused I'd been a year ago when they asked for a "hearing" test while handing me a little, plastic cup.  (It only took a moment before I discovered just what the cup was for and that perhaps my hearing did, indeed, need some attention.)

Doc finally entered the room (I was borderline annoyed at the long wait.  Those paper towel outfits are not made to be worn for more than an hour, but the frustration dissipated when I learned she had been busy reviving a child.)  (I think I'll try using that as an excuse next time I'm late.) and we began chatting about my boring medical history, the fluid in my ears (which might explain the aforementioned confusion) and my nearly 20 pound weight loss (yay!).

I told her how I'd ran a 5K, and that I have continued to run on a regular basis.  I described how the running has helped in so many areas of my health.  She was pleased.  So was I.

The visit wrapped up with her asking if I had any questions or concerns.

Yes, actually.  I did have a concern.  Now, I have to admit that I would rather ignore symptoms than admit that there's a problem, but lately I've noticed a strange mass in my stomach area. The mass felt hard, but since it was painless, I ignored it, hoping it would go away.  It didn't. 

Doc poked and prodded while I lay there imagining all manner of sickness and disease growing within my being.  Slowly a smile began to creep across her face.  I was confused.  My personal diagnosis had me looking at months of treatments, pain and uncertainty.  Instead, she had found something else.

Something I hadn't been familiar with since four tiny humans had added layers of fat to my stomach area.  Something called... muscle!

Yup. I had been fearing something I didn't understand, and in the end I discovered that the very thing I had worried about was actually a good thing!  Less fat!  More muscle!  

I returned my lovely paper towel ensemble and sashayed out the door as they filed away my still boring medical chart.  

Driving home, I realized that the months of training had given me a strength I wasn't aware of.  Through the months of running, I would have highs and lows, but my favorite times were always on the days when I ran faster and further than I had before.  I was surprised by my own strength!  

That's how life is sometimes.

If you're walking through a difficult season right now, take heart.  One day soon, you'll stop and look back and in that moment you'll realize how much you've grown.  You'll feel the difference deep within and you'll notice a change inside yourself.  

The change isn't always obvious in the middle of running that last mile - but it's there nonetheless.  

Don't give up!  Don't fear what you don't know.  Take your burdens to the One who has the answers and recognize the growth that's been happening inside you all along.

And for goodness sakes, if a nurse ever hands you a cup, do not hold it up to your ear!



Though the cherry trees don’t blossom
    and the strawberries don’t ripen,
Though the apples are worm-eaten
    and the wheat fields stunted,
Though the sheep pens are sheepless
    and the cattle barns empty,
I’m singing joyful praise to God.
    I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God’s Rule to prevail,
    I take heart and gain strength.
I run like a deer.
    I feel like I’m king of the mountain!
Habakkuk 3

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The "Hearing Test" reminded me of this picture of Tyler and
my nephew, Payton, at my brother's wedding

2 comments:

Rhonda Schrock said...

Good for you! Clapping here, 'cause I know how hard running it and how slow the progress comes. :)

Happy fall.

Rhonda Schrock
http://www.rhondaschrock.com/

Rhonda Schrock said...

...how hard running 'is,' that is...

That's what happens when the coffee runs out. :)