A "Spinning-Wheel" Experience

I'm back after an unexpected hiatus, and ready to share. I just had what I am calling a "spinning wheel" experience, and I will explain that as I go, but first let me tell you about it. On January 28 at 1:30am I was transported by ambulance to the ER due to severe chest & arm pain. It had began innocently enough earlier that day, but like most of us, I dismissed it as "gas pains" and continued on as usual. Well, by that night it became obvious to me that it was something else and the rest is history.
After being admitted to the hospital and having tests run, it was discovered that I had blockage in three of my arteries. I remember when the doctor came in to give the results and it seemed so surreal. Here I was, suddenly laying in a hospital bed, being told that I had something wrong with arteries attached to my heart. Specifically, I had 80-90% in one, 70% in one and 50% in another. Just two days before that, I went to aerobics (two days consecutively) and worked out on the treadmill with no problems! Guess that's where the saying came from of "what a difference a day makes". I was informed that I would be getting a "cardiac catherization" the next day so they could see if this blockage could be fixed with stents or if I would need open-heart surgery. Boy, talk about life changing events.
In the midst of all this pain and life-threatening news, I managed to stay in touch with my faith. In fact, I watched a preacher on television that Friday morning who talked about that very thing, so I had a special gift from God before the procedure was even started. As you all may or may not know, I rely heavily on my spiritual base and have strong beliefs in the power of God. So seeing that message that morning was no coincidence for me. Long story short, I had the procedure done, they fixed the 80-90% blockage with two stents and I will schedule the procedure for the 70% in the near future. The doctor said the 50% should be fixed with the (four)medications I am now prescribed. Thank God for modern medicine! I could write a book about the experience and I do plan to do that, but let me share why I call it a spinning wheel experience.
This morning while reading my daily meditations and scriptures, I read about Mohandas Gandhi,a famous Indian leader. After each public appearance or event, this man would always go back to his original home and sit in front a the spinning wheel making wool. The purpose was so he could put and keep his life in perspective; so he could get back to the center of his gravity; and so he would not be pressed into the world's mold. I now consider my blockage event and all other life-changing events as spinning wheel experiences, because they present me with opportunities to refocus and put things in their proper perspective. I get the chance to get healthier outlooks on myself and the relationships in my life, and do some serious soul searching about the present and future. This amazing revelation gave me the answer to my 'WHY?" and it also gave me peace. (Thank you, God.)
Today, I know that God is greater than any heart disease and He turns any difficulty into an opportunity for spiritual growth. I believe that any and all events that touch my life snugly fits into God's awesome plan for my life, and that we each receive what is truly necessary to our personal growth. As I traveled through this new "tunnel of growth" I ever hold onto my favorite scripture; Philippians 4:13-"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". So until next time, live one day at a time, because you never know what growth the next day will bring.