Scripture: Teach us to number our days . . . (Psalm 90:12).

I cling to the philosophy that age is just a number. But as a young doctor gently pointed out to me this weekend, “The added birthdays mean your heart has pumped a few more times than mine.” Eventually, these years do catch up.

I had noticed growing discomfort along my lower jaw on exertion, which was odd,because I have no dental problems. Sometimes I also became short of breath when working in the yard. My daughter, a retired nurse, became alarmed. She called her physician’s assistant friend, who insisted, “Take your mother to the emergency room now.”

For three days I have been petted, pampered, and thoroughly tested. On the final exam, a heart catheterization found an occluded coronary artery, immediately repaired with a metal stent. Although the vessel blockage was eighty percent, the doctors found no evidence of heart damage, in itself is a great miracle. Soon, I will need valve replacement, but that can also be done through a catheter—a wonder of modern medical technology!

Through it all, I have been carried on wings of prayer by my church, my family, and a host of friends. Angels surrounded me on every side. I know I am blessed beyond measure.

Thank all of you for your prayers. And thank God for His marvelous grace that so richly answered those prayers. Amen.