There’s a banana in my desk!
“CODE THREE … Heart Hospital” On March 6, 2018 those words sent a shock wave through my being. I knew at that moment that my life could very well be coming to an end. 64 years, 4 days and this could be how it ends. My immediate response was to pray. My soul reaching out to God. I’ve been a believer for most of my life and have faith in Jesus for the salvation of my soul. However, the reality of the situation demanded a spiritual connection with my Savior.
It was my first ride in an ambulance. Siren blasting, the EMT’s working on keeping me alive until we reached the Heart Hospital, there was no doubt as to the seriousness of the situation. Within minutes of arrival the amazing hospital staff and surgeon were working INSIDE my artery to open up the blockage and stop what the doctor would describe later as a massive heart attack. Literally within minutes they had saved my life. The relief from the pain was immediate. The impact of the ‘event’ however continues.
Later as I lay in the hospital bed my thoughts turned to “What If I Had Died an Hour Ago?” A strange thing crossed my mind; “There’s a banana in my desk drawer.” You see, the day before I had taken a banana to work for lunch. Like often happens I got busy and didn’t take the time to eat it. But now I figured it would be a while before I’d return to work and that banana would spoil and make a real mess. It’s a new job and I was a bit embarrassed to have to call to have someone take care of the banana in my desk.
But what about the other bananas? What if I didn’t have the opportunity to take care of them. Was my house in order? Were my finances in order or would they create a mess for my family to deal with? More importantly were my relationships in order? First and foremost, my relationship with Jesus, but also family, friends and not so friendlies.
The night following my heart attack as I lay in the dark hospital room I took mental inventory of all the bananas in my desk. It was a long list. I am very blessed to have been given the opportunity to address these ‘bananas’ in my life. I wrote this on Easter Sunday to encourage everyone to consider the bananas in their lives. Most importantly your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Eternal salvation is a free gift. You don’t deserve it (nor do I), and you can’t earn it. It’s a gift of grace through faith. Take the time now to put your house in order. I urge everyone to ensure their relationship with others are in order as well. When’s the last time you’ll have a chance to tell them that you love them? Don’t continue to harbor ill feelings or hold back a needed apology. I can assure you that in the end the issue causing the problem is not really that significant. Finally, don’t forget the simple things such as a will, final directives, and where the keys are. Don’t leave anything behind that is going to spoil and make a mess.
Is there a banana in your desk?
