Last week on Wednesday, February 19, while snow blowing my driveway in five degree weather, I suffered a heart attack. I went inside and ate lunch upon completion but soon after that I started experiencing all the classic symptoms of a heart attack. I told Pam I needed her to call 911. The ambulance took me to the hospital. It was so bad at first while in the ambulance that I was not sure I was going to make it. The EKG showed some event had happened. They determined I had a heart attack. The next day they put in two stents in veins that were 70% and 80% blocked. Thankfully not in the aortic. God is good! I say that because He allowed these stents to be put in to extend my life. Plus, it was determined no damage was done to my heart. He must have more for me to do – and I am ready.

I was able to go home on Friday. I did go back to work on Monday this week but have tried to take things easy. Please pray for me. In some ways I feel better, but I have a few other things that they are keeping an eye on and need to go see the doctor about for further observation. The two main reasons they feel this happened is because of stress and history of this in my family. My dad and brother both have had stents put in some years ago. I guess it could be my lifestyle of diet and exercise as well.  

I just wanted to fill you in on my situation. I know Pam would appreciate your prayers as well. Thanks for your care, concern and prayers.

The verse that came to my mind upon receiving the two stents was Philippians 1:21 which says, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” There is so much in this verse to write about but let me share with you what came to my mind. Honestly, it is not a deep theological teaching, but it is what came to my mind.

Most people focus on the second part of the verse, “to die is gain,” and contemplate the joys of heaven. I was thinking briefly about heaven and all the things that we look forward to. I was ready if that was the Lord’s will. After it was evident that I was not going to heaven or at least not right then, I began to think of the first part of the verse “to live is Christ.”

I prayed that since the Lord let me live, I need to do even more for Him than before. I thanked Him for more life and time to serve Him. These three basic thoughts have come to me from this verse during this experience I had.

• Don’t fear death – even with all the challenges we face, our ultimate hope and promise is heaven with our Lord forever. What could be better than that? Nothing, because to die is gain!
• Make intentional choices – we need to basically think about our daily actions and how they reflect our commitment to Jesus – to live is Christ.
• Share your faith – if God allows you to live, then live in a way that shows others the value of following Jesus. Be a witness for Christ!

God is good! Thank you for your prayers. May the Lord give us all more time to make a difference for Him. And if He doesn’t – what can be better than heaven!  

Your friend,

Jon