Is Your Bodymind Calling Out for Healing?

My dad died for a lack of healing in his life!

He received many "cures" which may have prolonged his days but wellbeing or soundness of body, mind, and spirit eluded him.

He endured his first open heart surgery at age 51 as I approached my high school graduation. He retired at that time from his high stress career in grocery store ownership. He stopped smoking after decades of use under threat of death but continued to over eat given his limited exercise regimen.

During the ensuing years he weathered hip and knee replacement surgeries. He was then diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent radiation treatment to drive it into remission. A second heart operation followed. Cancer returned, manifesting in his bladder, which had to be removed. It was not long before it appeared in his bones and his days were numbered.

My dad survived to age 73 but the quality of his life was questionable during much of that time!

I don't know my father's entire story because I didn't grow up with him. He left my mom, and my older brother and I when I was two, and I rarely saw him. From conversations prior to his death, I know he silently carried guilt and great unfulfillment throughout much of his life. He was intelligent, a good businessman, and a hard worker.

However, my dad neglected his physical health, had no spiritual connection, and failed to learn to navigate the highway of the heart in many of the relationships that could have been really rewarding. He didn't know how to communicate love. His heart was blocked in more ways than simply blood vessels.

Fortunately, we were able to overcome the distance and develop a bond in the closing years. Forgiveness and reconciliation with a focus upon God helped to release my father to know healing and receive peace.

Sadly, it was too late to save his life and permit him to know and invest into the life of his grandson. How many other purposes and contributions were left incomplete?