This week I graduated from the cardiac rehab clinic. Part of the requirements were to attend seminars designed to help me make positive changes to my life. The topics covered were fitness, stress, nutrition, the heart, and medication – eleven sessions in all. Each session was 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 hours long. I can only think of two words to describe these sessions: “brutally boring”.

I have watched them on DVD; most people were held captive in the lecture hall for the whole time.  I don’t think I would have survived if I had to go to them. I’d probably have had another heart attack! It was bad enough having to watch the sessions at home, at my own pace.

One of the sessions – on stress – was three DVDs long. The problem with watching the DVDs was that they were creating more stress in my life. I felt my blood pressure rise slightly when the instructor began her talk by relating a story of her mother moving from Vancouver to Kingston, including what airline she was taking to get there.  Just start talking about stress!

She also stopped talking to welcome and assist everyone who came in late. It was nice that she made them feel comfortable, but they were late! Let them sneak in with their head down in embarrassment; they might show up on time for the next lecture.

The camera man must have been a 12 year old. He kept zooming the camera in and out with jerky motions, without care of what he was focussing on. Lighting for this big budget film was also pretty poor.  The instructor looked like she was wearing a turtleneck sweater, with shadows from her neck down.

I was just about ready to get hostile when my wife called me for dinner. That’s what probably saved my lap top from some damage. I closed it and went to the table. It was the break I needed.  I vented to Lily for a few minutes, and was able to bring my blood pressure down by filling my face with her chicken casserole.

It was only a short-lived reprieve, however. I had to finish the last half of the DVD after dinner. I think I dosed off a bit because the second half seemed to go a little faster. I came to while the instructor was demonstrating how to breath.

It was riveting. I mean, I have been breathing for well over 50 years now. Who’d have thought I’ve been doing it all wrong all this time? I’ve got it down now though, so I should be able to keep breathing for the rest of my life.

I have one more DVD on stress to go and, if I can survive it, I think my stress level will go down. Normally, when I watch a DVD, it’s to relax and chill out, to be entertained. These movies have tested my patience, and got me so riled up, I’ve started to yell at my computer screen.

I don’t think that’s healthy, especially for a guy who’s had a heart attack. They gave me medication to reduce my blood pressure and slow my heart rate, but then, I’ve allowed their DVDs to undo any good the medication was supposed to do.

Here’s the thing: I can do a lot of things right spiritually, like taking time to be with God, serving in the church, being in community with other believers. But, if I harbour sin in my life, it will negatively impact my spiritual vitality.

That’s Life!

Paul

Question: Despite all the good in your life, what are some negative things that could undo you?