FIRST-PERSON: Counting our days and giving thanks

On March 6, 2017, I was not sure that I would ever see March 6, 2021. On that day, I suffered a life-threatening heart attack that led to a full week of staring at the ceiling in a bed in the cardiac intensive care unit at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, one of the finest cardiology hospitals in the country. A life-saving procedure by the emergency room doctor, a heart procedure 48 hours later, and the wonderful care provided by the highly competent healthcare professionals at Northwestern are, from a human standpoint, the reason that I can write these words today. 

There is, of course, a deeper reason for being able to do so, which is God’s kind, gracious, and sustaining providence that enabled and strengthened me on that day and during that week, as well as which continues to do so each day. I have been blessed by the Lord’s goodness over the past 1460+ days. Yes, I still count the days, giving thanks for each one. Every time I have visited my Northwestern cardiologist since March of 2017, he has regularly reminded me, “Mr. Dockery, you stared mortality in the face.” Today, I rejoice that the Lord has given me life and has allowed me the privilege to continue to serve in the field of Christian education.

I no longer deal with the stress of a campus presidency, as was the case for nearly a quarter of a century. I no longer function on four to five hours of sleep each night; I need much more rest than before. I still try to walk regularly, and I follow pretty closely the diet expectations put forward by the American Heart Association. 

I have not had beef or pork in four years (yes, it is possible to function happily in the state of Texas without eating barbecue). I do not eat fried foods of any kind. I do not use salt and try to limit the intake of sweets. I eat plenty of grilled chicken and fish, lots of salads, and my daily treats are generally things like yogurt and unsalted nuts (though I confess that I do find a way for some ice cream on occasions). I do not drink anything with caffeine; I have not had sweet tea or colas in four years (those of you who know me well know that this is a complete turnaround from my unhealthy eating habits prior to the heart attack). 

The Lord has blessed me with new and wonderful opportunities to be involved in the important work of the International Alliance for Christian Education (IACE) and to contribute in several capacities at Southwestern Seminary. I am genuinely grateful for these open doors of service. Some may know that even into the fall of 2017, several months following the heart attack, I was not sure if these kinds of service opportunities would be possible ever again. 

So, today is a day filled with heartfelt thanksgiving: thanks first and foremost to God for his gracious kindness to me; thanks to Lanese and to our family for their faithful care and loving support; and thanks to so many friends for their loyal friendship, words of encouragement, and ongoing prayers.

I am reminded today of Paul’s words: “giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20), as well as the words of the psalmist: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:25-26). The Lord has used the Psalms as a source of strength and renewal in my life over the past 48 months, reminding me regularly of my total dependence on him for life and for daily strength.

Lord willing, I look forward with hopefulness to more opportunities to celebrate the March 6 anniversary in the years ahead.