Cowen-isms

So, last night was a celebration for my favorite doctor on the planets 75th birthday. We were working together, and out of nowhere, another nurse said, "Dr. Cowen, after 75 years of life and 50 years of marriage, do you have any advice for Christine here?" Now, background information you should know about is that, when you ask a question, Dr. Cowen never gives a quick answer. We have kind of lovingly learned to call these answers, Cowen-isms.

Well, last night I got more than I bargained for. I should also let you know that I had worked late at work Monday night, so I was on about three hours of sleep. Those who don't know me well, I don't function without sleep. I was pretty emotional anyway, but after about an hour of Dr. Cowen describing his life with his wife and his career in medicine I was honestly on the verge of tears.

So, here are a few things I learned. I hope you will find them as moving as I did. Dr. Cowen didn't make plans. He is one of the smartest, most successful men I have had the priviledge of working with, but based on his description of his life, he did not make plans. When Dr. Cowen met his wife, he said he was "immune to girls." He had been burnt by a girl earlier and was over it. (There's hope for me yet!) He was in medical training and still had to finish and do a residency and take boards, and of course, he couldn't think of a woman until he had finished those things! But, he shared, he fell head over heels for this good-looking nurse who always new exactly what he would need, even when he didn't. (Now you see why I love Dr. C?) It is now 50
four children, and eleven grandchildren later. And I doubt if Dr. Cowen regrets deviating from his plan.

Next, from this converstation, I learned the value of a life lived with dignity. I think this is a word we have lost sight of in our generation. Dr. Cowen was by all estimations a busy man. He was a practicing physician, a missionary to Africa, and eventually taught medical students. In addition to sitting on lots of boards, being involved in church, and raising four children. Still, he said his family had dinner together every night, at the table, not in front of the TV. And, every morning, he has still, at least two cups of coffee with his wife. My mother has often spoken to me of my parents philosphy when they got married and started to raise us. They lived life making one small good decision at a time. I think Dr. Cowen's life is the result of that. One small good decision at a time.

Ok, this post is already really long, so I'm gonna end with one last thing I've learned from Dr. Cowen. This was not from his conversation, but from a year of quiet observation. Dr. Cowen is a very old fashioned man, with old fashioned values.He is serious about his relationship with Christ and his faith. But, contrary to the way the modern world often views old fashioned values, he loves people with a radical love. Never have I seen him judge anyone. He will treat patients with STD's and addictions. He teaches medical students who live a modern lifestyle and make modern choices. He welcomes young nurses like me. All of us are given the same respect and love. This radical love sometimes comes is hard advice. But, it is love none-the-less. This week I had the pleasure of seeing two long term patients who have been cigarette free for 3 monthes! Thanks Dr. Cowen for your tough love.

So, what do I take from all these rambling? I'm going to make one good choice at a time. I'm going to love people with a radical love. And, despite pretty much all of my hard-wiring, I am going to try not to make plans.

**If any of you want to get the pleasure of meeting Dr. C yourselves, let me know when you are free on a Tuesday or Thursday!

“ You can have all this world. But give me Jesus.” - Fernando Ortega

This year has been a crazy year for me. I have seen countless childhood dreams come true. Like the writer of Ecclesiastes, I sought after pleasures of all kinds and tried to truly enjoy life. I was given honors, including being chosen to speak at UK’s graduation in front of a crowd of thousands. I had dates with some amazing men. I made tons of friends with whom I enjoyed a range of awesome activities. I did karaoke. I danced. I saw Washington DC. I bought my first home and made my first real paycheck. I became financially independent from my parents and made money of my own. I have sought after vanity with make-up, tanning, hair coloring, and working out. In all of these worldly pursuits, I have found success, and then like the writer of Ecclesiastes again, I have found it all meaningless. (Lest my amazing friends get me wrong, I must clarify my relationships with you are not meaningless. It is just the pursuit of worldly success, which I have found meaningless. I have tended to value popularity over relationship.)

All these things, the things I have spent years of adolescence dreaming of, were completely unsatisfying. God gave me everything I thought I wanted, to show me that all I ever wanted or needed was Him. When He promises you the desires of your heart, don’t be surprised if it is your desires that change, not what He gives.

So, today, I have learned even more what it means to be surrendered. Thank you God, for taking me back, though I never deserve it. Thank you for friends who always inspire me to be better than I am. Thank you for the man you have for me one day and please bless all the men who were not meant to be with me and the women they will find. Thank you for financial peace and please use it for Your purposes only. Please continue to break my heart for what breaks yours.

Finally, today I say, with Fernando Ortega, “You can have all this world. But, give me Jesus.”