Two Letters

We had our last lecture EVER in our Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine class.  Considering the fact that we've had that class every semester of medical school, coming to the end was a pretty big deal.

The doctor who taught today ended his lecture by stressing a point to us he made at his first lecture way at the beginning of our first year, which was this:

Don't let two letters become more important to you than your spouse, your children, your God, or your other relationships.  Those two letters?

D.O. - Doctor of Osteopathy

The beginning of the road to becoming DOs

He said that no one ever entered medical school thinking that they would be divorced by the time they had graduated, but that it happened to some.  No one ever says, "Til death or D.O. do us part," when they say their wedding vows.  And yet, career can become much too important to some, to the point that they don't spend time with their families or friends or God, and end up losing that which is most important.


I am grateful for the people like this doctor who have been wonderful about trying to help our class keep life in perspective.  Medical school is extremely time consuming, but it does not have to consume you.  I am happy and proud to say that I have had a life during these past two years of school, and I firmly intend to continue having one.  No test is as important to me as my God or my family or my friends.  Sure, I can't say yes to every invitation that comes along.  Sacrifices do have to be made along the way.  But, I still make time to pray every day and to enjoy my husband and daughter.  I've made some wonderful memories over the past two years with family and friends.  I read, cook, play board games, take pictures, sing, write letters, laugh at sitcoms, have deep conversations, stay plugged in at church, daydream.  I always try to be there for people when they need me.  I tiptoe into Julia's bedroom to watch her while she's sleeping.  We go on walks as a family after dinner.  Aaron and I still love to tease each other as much as we did when we were sophomores in college.  Life is beautiful, and I'm not going to sacrifice the little things in life for two letters.  Because, in the end it's the little things in life that end up mattering.

Luke 9 must be a theme this week, because it comes to mind again: "What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?" (Luke 9:23-25).

Also, I am reminded of Psalm 90:12 - "Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart."  Julia is such a great reminder to me of this verse.  She grows so fast that I am more aware than ever of how quickly time passes.  I want to enjoy and appreciate each moment.  Life is a gift.  Let's not squander it.

Life is a gift.  Enjoy it!