During a complete physical exam of the heart in addition to listening with a stethescope, one must feel for the point of maximal impulse (PMI). The location of the PMI is typically at the apex or tip of the heart as it extends to the patient's left side. Depending on the size of the patient and their heart the PMI may be difficult to find, but there's no doubt once you do. On a healthy patient it's a strong and steady pounding.
It's hard to get to know someone's heart if they're not your patient. You can't just walk up to any guy or girl on the street and ask to feel for their PMI (please don't try this). Nor is it easy for someone's emotional heart to open up to you--it takes time, gentleness, and trust.
But here is a heart that is wide open, on exhibit. You can touch, you can listen, you can experience this heart. Thomas Goodwin wrote of it, "The heart of Christ displays the heart of God. Take your hand and put it on the breast of Christ...and you will find it racing at the sight of you."
The cross is the best display of God's heart; it is where you can feel his heart beat strongest.
Passionately examine, study, and live God's heart.
Oh to have that same heart beating in my chest!
No comments:
Post a Comment