It’s usually quiet. When the dialysis system is set up with care and precision, it is a few quiet hours. However, just recently, the A24 alarm blared every 15 minutes or so. I would stop what I was doing and go check what was happening. As per the manual, I would mute the alarm, identify the probable cause, check the arterial access flow to make sure there were no kinked lines. I would then reposition the access line, stop the cycler and then resume treatment. This process continued throughout the 3-hour treatment period.

Nothing had changed. I had been sure of each step along the way to prepare for this treatment. I did everything the same way I always did, so what was different and what was the cause of this A24 alarm?

Megan. My sweet housekeeper had been in to clean. In the process she moved Mason’s chair just enough to create a strain on the lines between the machine and Mason. Of course, as soon as he was finished, we moved the chair to the correct position, and we haven’t had an A24 alarm since.

How many times in my life has the A24 alarm sounded to get my attention. Plenty I’d say. The smallest misalignment from God’s plan or direction in my life has set off the warning alarm. Sometimes I’ve corrected it immediately. Other times I’ve been a little slower to redirect my steps.

And honestly, it all comes down to the heart. Why does my heart want more than what God has to offer? He is good. He is faithful. He always wants what is best for me. God reminds us in Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” He knew our hearts would and could lead us astray.

In those moments when my heart is prone to wander, I must remember King David’s words in Psalm 119:10-11 (NIV). “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” God’s Word is the only guide we need to keep us from wandering off the path. He has given us all that we need.

The one thing I know is that God is constant and doesn’t change. Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8 assure us of that. I may wander and move away from God, but He will always be there when I am ready to return.

Have you wandered? Take that first step. He is waiting for you.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna