Still in the thankful mode?
It’s the season of Thanksgiving! Turkey Day may be over (except for the leftovers), but we’re still in the thankful mode, aren’t we?
Maybe?
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
But do we sometimes need a reminder to be grateful for the non-material treasures we’re given (like good health)?
Sometimes reminders are painful.
As we entered the Thanksgiving season, my sweet grandchildren shared something with me I didn’t want. As an elementary school student, my granddaughter is exposed to a great many germs. She’s begun to develop some immunity, but unknowingly shares those viruses and bacteria with her younger brother (who coughs on his caregivers) and other members of her family.
What began, for me, as a pesky runny nose, ballooned into an illness that brought me to my knees (well, actually–brought me to my back and nearly a week in bed). I struggled to deal with a plethora of symptoms that seemed immune to whatever medications I managed to consume in my constantly nauseated state.
Lots of time to think
When too dizzy to stand, too weak to care for myself or my animals, and struggling to endure pain from a head threatening to explode from sinus pressure, there’s lots of time to think.
I’m so thankful for:
- God’s amazing gift of our human body–designed to fight those nasty little organisms that make us sick.
- The air we breathe and lungs that keep working, even amidst an attack of mucus and sludge aiming to stop the breathing process entirely.
- Loved ones who risk catching nasty bugs themselves, yet help us in our time of need.
- Scientists and researchers who work to develop medications to treat sickness.
- Medical workers who staff offices and hospitals to serve those who need health care.
- And most especially, I’m thankful for a loving Father who cares for us through all trials.
Are you still in the thankful mode?
So am I!
My friends, I’m praying our loving Father protects you from illness, but when those little critters sneak past your immune system, I pray for a mild case of illness and a speedy recovery for you.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)
It is hard to be thankful in all circumstances, but we must try. I hope you feel 100 percent soon, Katherine!
Thank you for your good wishes. I’m so much better and grateful for our Father’s mercy and love. Wishing you a joyful week!
So grateful you’re on the road to recovery Ms. Katherine. Sorry those little buggers got past your defenses ma’am. God’s blessings.
I’m so grateful for your prayers, my friend. It helps more than I can express to know you and your sweet bride are sending prayers for my healing. I’m happy to report I am much better. Hoping your week is full of sunshine and joy (and rain if your winter crops are still in need). Peace and blessings.
I’m thankful the worst is over for you and pray your feel completely recovered soon, Katherine. Blessings.
Thank you for your good wishes and prayers, Diana. I’m so much better. Wishing you good health and happiness through Christmas and the winter season.
Hope you feel better soon, Katherine. Thanks for this reminder that we have so much to be thankful for, even when we are sick. God bless!
I’m feeling much better, Nancy. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and keep you healthy and safe as we enter this season to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Blessings!
Katherine, Sorry to hear of your illness, but thank you for expounding on the truth that we are to give thanks in all things. God instructs that giving thanks is
His will!
Lisa, thank you for thinking of me during this bout of illness. I’m happy to report that I’m feeling much better. I’m finally well enough to read your beautiful book, Whose Manger Is This? The message is wonderful and the illustrations are awesome. I’m looking forward to reading this to my grandchildren. I’m heading over to write a review.
Praying you are feeling better every moment. 🙂
I’m so grateful for your good wishes, Melissa. I’m much better this week and so thankful for God’s grace, love, and mercy. Wishing you a blessed week.
We are called to praise Him even in sickness and hardship because he knows we need to experience the power of a thankful heart. We’ll only be praising him in hardships here on earth, not in heaven. Amen!
“We’ll only be praising him in hardships here on earth, not in heaven.” Thank you for sharing that message of hope and assurance. As we enter the season where we wait, watch, and hope during this celebration of our Savior’s birth, I pray we all remember He is the gift of our salvation–the reason we’re destined to be in heaven with Him. Wishing you a December filled with joy, Mary.
So sorry you experienced that illness, Katherine. I pray you are on the road to recovery. Your beautiful attitude even during feeling bad shows your heart. You still found many things to be thankful for as we all should do. Blessings to you, friend!
Thank you, Barbara. I’m blessed to be feeling much better this week. I’m so thankful for our Father’s love, mercy, and grace. Wishing you a joyful December and a Christmas filled with love.
I’m so sorry you’ve been sick. I hope the worst is behind you! My two oldest grandchildren came down with a stomach bug Thanksgiving evening, and all I could think of were the kisses I’d been lavishing on them all day! lol. So far so good though. It’s so true that a thankful heart extends beyond our circumstances. Blessings, Katherine.
I hope and pray you don’t catch that bug, Terri. It’s hard not to kiss and hug on our grands. They are such a joy and blessing. I know you’re looking forward tp celebrating Christmas with them. Wishing you peace, joy, and good health.
Katherine, I am so sorry you have been sick. These days which bring our families together are so precious and the ones we want to embrace. May the Lord protect us from all that circulates so that the only thing we pass around is love. May God continue to strengthen you and bring you healing. And may we continue to be grateful for His many, many blessings!
I’m so grateful for your prayers, Joanne–so beautifully expressed. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and joyous Christmas Season.
Yes – always something to be thankful for, Katherine, as your post so sweetly points out. Glad you’re on the mend!
Thank you, Candyce. I hope your Christmas is healthy, happy, and blessed.
I hope you are feeling better. It is hard to be thankful in all circumstances but we can if we practice it when we can. I am thankful for my faith, my family and my friends. Thanks Katherine.
I’m thankful for faith, family, and friends, too, Yvonne. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and very Merry Christmas.
Katherine, I hope you are feeling better. Our household is battling Covid, thankfully mild cases. But your thoughts are a good reminder of what we have to be thankful for. During this time I’ve been thankful for a mild case, a warm house, food in the refrigerator, my husband not getting it so far, and clean sheets on a comfortable bed.
Debbie, I’m so sorry Covid has invaded your house. Praying for a quick and complete recovery. Your thanksgiving sounds much like mine during my illness. We are so blessed.