By Maryellen Greene
As a Physician Assistant, I’ve had the privilege and honor to work under some of the most brilliant Supervising Physicians. I am so thankful for how each of them has impacted my life and my practice of medicine in positive and unique ways.
Early on in my career, one of my Supervising Physicians taught me the importance of checking in with my patients in four main areas of life—heart and soul, strength, mind, and relationships. Dr. O reminded me that God created us as Spiritual, Physical, Mental/Emotional, and Relational beings. He encouraged me to treat the “whole” patient and look for root causes of “dis-ease.”
As I started checking in with my patients in four areas, I found that it really did help care for the “whole” person and uncover some key issues that needed to be addressed in order to promote holistic health and wellness. I would have this “check-in” conversation dozens of times a week and patients always responded really well to it.
Check-in with yourself and your loved ones.
I started checking in with myself in these four areas and found it really helped me process life and experience more peace & balance. Then I started checking in with my husband and kids in these four areas. Sure enough, when anyone was feeling “off” or “blah,” we could look at and pray through these four areas, pinpoint the issue and come up with a plan towards balance and wellness.
Throughout Scripture, this pattern can be seen of how God cares about our heart, soul, body, mind and relationships. Our loving Creator cares about all of us. What area of “being” is left out? None that I have experienced or can think of…
One of the main passages that focuses on these four main areas of life is Luke 10:27-28:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind & love your neighbor as yourself…do this and you will live.”
Luke 10:27-28
Of course, our salvation does not depend on anything we do. GOD’S GRACE plus ZERO equals our salvation. We don’t bring anything to the table.
“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
The question is, what is our response to the free gift of salvation? How will we respond to what God has done, is doing and will do in our heart, soul, body, mind and relationships? How can God help us in these 4 areas so we can make the most of every opportunity and share the Gospel with others? As we number our days and treasure the gift of time, how can we be intentional and grow wisdom to be good stewards in heart and soul, strength, mind, and relationships?
Remember, it’s not a check list of to-do’s.
It’s getting information from a check-in with your heart, soul, body, mind and relationships, to experience ongoing transformation by the grace of God.
How is your heart? Is it well with your soul?
Practice Soul Care. Connect with God through creation, His Word, music, prayer, journaling, discipleship…
How is your body feeling?
Hydrate. Nourish. Strengthen. Rest. If there is something causing dis- ease, talk with your health care provider to find the root of the problem.
What’s on your mind today?
Think Growth, Truth, Peace & Joy. Filter what you allow into your mind. Process your thoughts & emotions.
How are you treating those around you & how are you treating yourself?
Choose Kindness, Forgiveness, Gentleness, Peace, & Love.
Created for YOU & YOURS… our “Connection Journals” focus on checking in and encouraging health & wellness for your heart & soul, your body, your mind & emotions, and your relationships.
