As a consummate multi-tasker, I was recently faced with the inevitable reality that I can’t do everything all the time for everyone. Keeping my iPhone constantly nearby, taking every phone call that comes in, can really elevate your stress level. And if you’re already dealing with a health issue (however minor it may be), stress exacerbates EVERYTHING and can cause real problems if you don’t deal with it properly. How do I know this?

I was admitted to the hospital on Monday, June 21 as a result of a 6-month check-up with my doctor. He was concerned about my diabetes and persistent chest pain, so he sent me to the hospital for a 23-hour observation and heart-related testing.

The docs kept me in the hospital an extra night after a slightly scary situation occurred following the cardiac catheterization Tuesday morning. After a VERY GOOD REPORT from that procedure we were relieved to know that I did not have a heart attack, in spite of the blood work and EKG report. Whew!

However, after waiting the required 4 hours before I could move after the procedure, I got up out of bed and promptly blew open the entry site into my femoral artery, causing a major bleed-out (which can cause death pretty quickly if not stopped). Luckily the hospital staff responded quickly and closed the femoral entry site with a femo-stop contraption they bolted to my body. After three more tests (x-rays and sonograms looking for blood clots), they found nothing and pronounced me healthy. But, just to be sure, they required me to stay overnight and suffer more bad hospital food.

So, I came home the following Wednesday afternoon after being told to be very careful not to stress out or overdo it physically. Another femoral blow-out was unlikely, but the first one scared me so badly I didn’t want to take any chances.

And so it was pointed out by my doctor, my cardiologist, my chiropractor, my children, and my wife that the probable cause of my chest pain and tightness is … STRESS! Therefore, since June I have been making some much-needed time re-allotments to alleviate my stress levels. Not sure what that means just yet for the days ahead, but I am committed to lifestyle adjustments to make it happen.

Laura was especially scared when they said I might have had a heart attack and would require stents during the catherization procedure. However, by God’s grace and favor, I have the healthy heart of a 20 year old and nothing to worry about in that department (according to my cardiologist).

I have to remind myself of these verses from God’s Word:

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)

“I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 (NLT)

Growing up we sang a great old hymn of the church, “God Will Take Care of You” and I’m reminded of these verses:

Verse 1:
Be not dismay’d whate’er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.

Chorus:
God will take care of you,
Thro’ ev’ry day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

I especially like verse 3:
No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you.
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.

I encourage you to allow God’s Word to penetrate your soul, in particular about how you are dealing with the stress in your life. That phone call or email can wait. Pace yourself and allow God’s wisdom to dictate your daily work, not the clients screaming for your attention, the friends who are outside of God’s will and want to emotionally dump on you, the payroll you have to meet, the business trip you have planned, etc. Trust Him … He cares for you!