For nine months, my husband had been driving me to the dermatologist for a monthly visit. This time I was going to talk to the doctor about the development of a persistent cough. The only thing that had changed in my life was the medication that I was taking for severe scalp psoriasis; so I read and reread the two page, fine print, pharmacy handout for it. In the next to last sentence was a warning that a cough may be a side effect.

Knowing that most doctors do not like patients diagnosing their problems, I had carefully planned how I would approach the doctor with my information. I shared my plan with my husband as we traveled. He suggested a different approach. My immediate reaction was inward anger. It felt like he was correcting me.

To calm down, I looked out my window and watched the vineyards, on the side of the highway, slide by. I began thinking of something that had occupied my mind for the past few days during my Bible study, the amazing submission of Christ to His Father’s will. My thoughts were interrupted by a comment from Len.

“You didn’t listen to me”

I replied, “Yes I did. I heard every word you said.”

The rest of the trip was spent in silence. We arrived at the doctor’s office and Len parked the car. We walked together from the car to the office. Len waited in the reception area while I was led to and left in an examining room. As I settled in, I began coughing. At the same time a nurse entered. Through my coughing jag, I tried to tell her, “I’m not contagious. This is chronic.” Simultaneously I saw the doctor looking over her shoulder.

He came into the room and, while examining my scalp, bombarded me with questions. “How long have you had this cough, when did it begin, … etc.” He concluded with, “Your scalp looks fine, so we can begin to lower the dose of the medication. Cut it in half and see me in two weeks.” Then he and the nurse were gone.

As I collected myself I chuckled. The verses that came to mind were Matthew 10:19-20. “When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”

Jesus said this to His disciples as instruction for what to do when they were brought before authorities as trouble makers. The principle is the same for us in everyday situations as it was for them in confrontational circumstances. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT WHAT YOU WILL SAY OR DO.

Think it through and let it go, no obsessing. Trust that the Holy Spirit will give us what is needed. We may not have to say or do anything, as was my case. All my planning of what to say was for naught. Being angry was wasted energy.

Oh, if you are concerned over the strained relationship between me and my husband, don’t be. He rarely holds onto any tension between us for more than five minutes. This drives me crazy. Hmmm. Maybe that’s his intention.