Renewing of Mind and Spirit

Today I had my annual OB/GYN appointment. This appointment is never easy because there is always some physical discomfort. This time was even more difficult for me because it was my first visit back to the office after the death of my doctor. His sudden death was a total shock to me and many others. I had seen him just a few weeks before his death last year. I was also nervous because I had no idea what this new doctor would be like. It took me years to find a doctor that was able to help me through several years of suffering and in a blink of an eye he was gone.
In Luke 12:29 it states, "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it." (NIV) We are told in those words that are not to worry about anything, but to go forth and carry out what is set before us without fear. We can do this because we have casted all our cares upon the Lord Jesus.
The new doctor came into the examining room to meet me and see how I have been doing since my last visit. I believe it was her who brought up my previous doctor. When she did my eyes suddenly filled with tears. It wasn't the reaction that I wanted, but it was sincere. She gave me a moment to compose myself. We talked about my previous doctor for a moment and then proceeded. I liked my new doctor right away. I could tell she was a woman of great knowledge, honor and respect. My fears about having a new doctor and the procedure melted away. I then had the examination without any complications.
I could not think about the loss of my doctor without thinking of all the special people I loss in 2007. My doctor was killed (hit by a car) in the early spring, then a childhood friend died of cancer in late May, and then a beloved cousin died a week before Christmas. All these people were special to me in different ways. The thing the really struck me is that all these people were in their forties, just like me. My childhood friend was about 7 months younger than I. For a short period after my cousin's death I began to fear death myself in a way I have never experienced before.
In Psalm 51:10 it states, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (NIV) Steadfast means fixed and firm. I had to make up my mind that I would not allow fear to over take me and I am so glad we have the Lord and that our minds are renewed every morning. Ephesians 4:23, " to be made new in the attitude of your minds." (NIV) If you do not know which attitude to have Philippians 2:5 states, "Your attitude should be the same as the of Christ Jesus." Our Lord and Savior has a wonderful attitude and the four Gospels are a great place to see how he lived his life on Earth.
What I learned after my doctor's visit today is that you can go on and have a happy and successful life after a great loss. It may not seem possible, or easy, and it will take time, but we have to move on. We are blessed in so many ways by the people in our lives and often we do not realize it. The blessings from them do not end with their deaths.
So if you have lost a dear loved one, or someone special to you, take care and lean on the Lord. Allow Him to take the pain of your loss and renew your mind and spirit, and heal your broken heart.