In the weeks running up to Thanksgiving, I have hardly had much of a chance to sit and meditate upon what I am thankful for, even though it is such a good yearly exercise. I found myself suddenly in the midst of major work projects this fall, gearing up for the launching of the Patient Centered Medical Home model in my medical practice and taking additional steps in preparation to establish "meaningful use" of our electronic medical record system to Medicare this January. In addition, I joined the Small Practice Advisory Committee of CRISP, an organization working to promote the implementation of computerized medical records and the connectivity of hospitals and private practices throughout Maryland. I also felt compelled to join forces with the Maryland ACP Health and Public Policy Committee which is an arm of my medical organization concerned with issues affecting internal medicine doctors in our state. After 9 weeks of not being paid by Medicare and numerous roadblocks in negotiations with insurance companies, I felt that it was time to take action. Joining a committee is better than forming a one-woman picketing protest outside the CareFirst headquarters; though, that idea had crossed my mind.
Even in the midst of the busy season at work, I found myself back on the soccer field again, coaching young kids from Pen Lucy and even able to play in a few coaches' games at the end of the season. I am grateful for nearly complete recovery from knee surgery this spring and am happy to report that I am playing soccer better than ever. It may be partly owing to all of the World Cup games I watched over the summer. I had extra fun this year, figuring out that the best way to motivate my kids to work hard in practice was to name a team captain every week. The best way to motivate them to play hard and play together during the game was to name an MVP. My team was the Eagles, so I taught them how to recite Isaiah 40:31 with a resounding "Eagles!" right in the middle of the verse. At the last practice, I folded up two paper airplanes - one was a dud and the other had at least some aerodynamics. The take home point was that when we fly according to the way God designed us, we soar. When we fly according to our own designs (our sinful nature), we flop.
This past weekend, the community organization associated with my church (PLAN), held the 2nd annual "Buck-a-Bag/Health Fair". Unlike the year before when the Maryland Food Bank provided the majority of the food items, this year the majority of the contributions came from our own congregation. I was blown away by the generosity of so many people in providing abundantly more food than I would have imagined, enough to provide a bag full of groceries to over 100 families. Then, Panera Bread donated two large bags full of bagels and baguettes. We had a box full of huge McIntosh apples from the food bank, and a trunk load of fresh produce from the Waverly Farmer's Market. Then, on the health fair side, we had the generous contribution of nearly 150 flu vaccines from the Baltimore City Health Department. It does seem that more work needs to be done to convince Pen Lucy residents of the benefits of the flu vaccine. I did my best. Dr. Anne Bailowitz, the Chief Medical Officer of the health department did manage to convince our pastor to get his first ever flu shot. One of the most amazing aspects of this event was the sight of all of the volunteers, ranging from high schoolers to retirees, helping out in almost every way. One of our volunteers even took the time to carry the groceries home for a lady who suffers from disability.
It is said that it is better to give than to receive. I think this is true on multiple levels. Certainly, I think it is better for our souls. The Native Americans who brought produce to the near-starving earliest European immigrants changed history through their generosity. They were also in a position to give, even though the same folks they saved did not return the favor. It is so ironic that the phrase "Indian giver" ever came about. I caught myself saying it the other week, and thought about how wrong that phrase really is.
After nearly two years of medical crises and in spite of all of the adverse economics of primary care practice, I am grateful to be able to give my time and energy and resources to others. I am thankful for the restoration of energy and good health. It is also a privilege to be surrounded by friends and colleagues who are committed to do what is good and loving and right. "He has shown thee, oh man, what is good and what the Lord has done for thee - but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God." Micah 6: 8 If that is all I accomplish in this life, I will be glad. Easier said than done, I must say.
"Praise is fitting for the upright", says the psalmist in Psalm 33:1; thus, it will soon it will be time for all sleepers to rise and shine, give thanks, and cook that bird (or whichever side dish one happens to be contributing)!
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