uest 
evotionals
Perfect Peace
(This is a guest post by Jolene Eby who began writing over nine years ago after completing a correspondence course with The Institute Of Children's Literature in Connecticut. First published in 2000 just short of her sixtieth birthday, Jolene has had a number of articles and poems published, and she currently writes for The Seniors Review. Her children's book Katie's Tale was published in 2003. Jolene treasures time spent with her new found family and her friends, loves doing crossword puzzles, meeting new people, and learning new things. Jolene lives in St. Catharines, Ontario.)
Thou would keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusts in Thee. Isaiah 46:3 Most of us rely on our trusty radio or alarm clock to wake us in the morning. When the alarm goes off at the pre-set time, we have a choice to make. We can get up now or set the snooze button for an extra five-ten minutes of sleep. If we do the latter more than once, there can be serious consequences. Late for work, appointments or just starting one's day off. In life, this principle works in reverse. We are in snooze mode regarding health or major decisions. There are subtle warnings to do something now, but we ignore them. When the alarm goes off, there can be serious consequences.
The day began like every other Sunday morning. I got up, had breakfast and a little later relaxed with a cup of tea. I had been having a weird feeling in my chest. No pain just something not quite right. It wasn't going away. Instead of taking my bath, I laid down thinking it would go away. It didn't. The thought of calling 911 flitted across my mind. I dismissed it. What would I say?
From this point on, I believe the Lord took over. I remained calm and seemed to be guided by an unseen hand. I unlocked the front door, sat down and called 911. In minutes, the paramedics arrived, plus a fire truck. Don't you just love to give the neighbours something to watch?
After checking me over, they announced they were taking me to the hospital. I'm still in my jammies and robe, still remaining calm. They were making the decisions; I was just going along for the ride.
Shortly after being admitted, things moved quickly. Having a high tolerance for pain, I would describe what I was feeling as mounting discomfort. Suddenly, it felt like a giant fist grabbed my heart in a vice-like grip for just a few moments and then it was over. The attending doctor said, "You have just had a heart attack.”
The verse I quoted at the beginning settled into my mind.
Jesus talked about the peace that passes all understanding. He also said that He would give us His peace. It's different from what the world offers.
I awoke the next morning feeling good and spent the next eight days in hospital. I was never more relaxed. It was like a vacation. No worries, breakfast in bed, friends visiting, plus lots of TLC from the nurses.
Were there warning signs? Looking back, I believe so, but I preferred to live in snooze mode.
In spite of this, a very gracious God has allowed me extra days to enjoy Him and His bountiful blessings.
© Jolene Eby, February 2010
