A month or so ago, Ben insisted on making an appointment with his doctor, Dr. Aziz. It was several months premature, so we were reluctant to schedule it. Ben was certain that the doctor would tell him that he was well enough to return to his home, so we braced ourselves for a big let down. Instead, we were surprised by an unexpected outcome!
The Peel
First, the doctor spent 2 hours with Ben! Dr. Aziz showed love and care for Ben by listening to his every word and talking directly to him. Ben was lifted up, not let down.
Second, Dr. Aziz prescribed an increase in Ben’s antidepressant medication. What a difference it has made! Now, we experience 1-2 outbursts a week instead of every day. He is much happier now that he is not angry all the time, not stressed over some project, and not feeling anxiety over something that doesn’t exist.
Third, Ben forgot all about asking Dr. Aziz to write a doctor’s order to send him home. Because he received such good care and he walked out with an action step, his anxiety to return home was completely defused.
The Fruit
When Ben wanted to make the appointment, we did everything we could think of to
dissuade him. We assumed it would lead to a disappointing outcome because of our limited vision. We were mistaken.
Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned about God is that he has a broader vision than I do. When something looks bad to me, I have no vision for the good that could come out of it. How many times have I cried over something only to find myself thankful for it later!?!
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When the disciples saw their leader, Jesus, hanging from the cross, it seemed to them that they had given up everything for a fraud. Their vision was limited to what they knew at the time. But, three days later, Jesus rose from the dead and made spiritual salvation available to anyone who asks for it. Suddenly, his followers understood the greater vision and they never again second guessed their leader nor the good he was accomplishing, even when they were killed because of it.
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