Some days you’re just really looking for a comfy and cozy outfit! I love when I can find adorable tops that can dress up leggings. This top is very versatile – it can be worn with many different scarves and can be dressed up with adorable jewelry. It is perfect for days like today that are cooler and you have class all day!
As medical professionals, we are always encouraging people to get their annual physicals. These yearly visits are a great way to screen for common conditions and also address any concerns the patient may have. It is a head-to-toe physical examination, and it is most likely the most thorough exam any of your patients will receive in a given year. This is primary care’s pride and joy. You always tell your patients to get their “free annual physical” through their insurance providers. Many of us aren’t fans of our lovely insurance companies, but this is one thing they’ve done right. They give you a chance every year for a free office visit to get a full exam and, hopefully, a clean bill of health.
When we think about our annual physicals, what are we looking at? Mostly, we’re examining the patient since their last visit (which was probably a year ago) and seeing if anything has changed – for the better or for the worse. We get an update on their personal life, medical conditions, new medications, and any new complaints they have. Then we move to the physical exam to get their vitals and look for things that the patient may not see. Finally, we get blood work to get a little better idea of what is going on on the inside. All of these things combined provide us with a pretty good picture of what is going on with our patients.
As healthcare professionals, we are so good at giving (or at least recommending) annual physicals. However, how often do we get a “physical” of our spiritual lives?
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13.5, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
We often forget about how important it is to take account of our relationship with Christ. Have there been any new changes? Any difficult challenges? Have we added any new ways to help our relationship like a new book or devotional? Have we removed any things that were strengthening our walk like decreased church attendance or no longer going to small group? How much time have we spent in the Word or really investing in a deeper relationship with Christ?
This thought was extremely sobering for me. As I examined my relationship with Christ over the last year, I was saddened by the areas in which I had stumbled, but also encouraged by the areas that I had strengthened. This gave me such good direction in areas I need to improve, but also made me thankful that the Lord had blessed me in so many other ways.
It is so important to examine yourselves, but I think this also provides us a good moment to be still and allow the Lord to examine us. So often I think I can see all of the problems in my life and attitude, and so often I miss a lot. Open your hearts to the Lord to let him work inside of you and guide you down his path for the next year. Allow him to mold your heart to do his work through your life.
So, I urge everyone to make sure they get their annual “spiritual” physical. Examine and test yourselves! While weaving through the intricacies of the challenges and defeats of the last year can be taxing, it is a good way for God to guide you in a new path and encourage you in the ways you are serving Him. I love it when the Lord can use His Word to convict me, and at the same time point me in His will. Open your hearts to him so that he may examine and test you.
Faith, Fashion, & Forceps 