Dodging bullets

We're just about to embark on deer hunting season here in Wisconsin, when blaze orange is fashionable whether you're a hunter, a "hunter's widow" or just don't want to get shot while you're outside.

I come from a long line of non-hunters but I know a thing or two about dodging bullets. You've all heard the expression before. When someone has a near-miss, a catastrophe avoided, we say we "dodged a bullet."

I had a health scare recently. And yes, I'll use the word scare. It starts out as a concern. Then there are some tests. Then, while you wait a week for the results, your mind conjures up all sorts of possibilities and it becomes a full-blown scare. What if it's this? What if it's that?

I wish I could be one of those "glass half full" types, but I'm not. Not consistently at least. I was concerned. I was scared. My imagination ran wild. This morning, though, my doctor informed me my tests were clear. That part is a relief. Of course, this means I still have symptoms searching for a cause. I do have some options to consider and trust me, I'm calm about this. I dodged what I consider the big bullet. It will be OK.

What did I learn from this? The unknown is pretty stinkin' scary, isn't it? It really tests our faith. I can't honestly believe that for one minute I am in control of much of anything in my life. There's a higher power who handles that and I have to believe He won't throw anything my way I can't handle.

Yes, I did dodge a bullet. So what am I going to do about it? Show my gratitude by taking care of my body in ways I can control. I finally said goodbye to my desk for an hour today and went running at lunch. I also returned to Weight Watchers and faced the music there.

It's a start. You can still dodge bullets with baby steps. Just be sure to throw on some blaze orange!