Gratitude

I Thessalonians 5:18 : In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Today I got to take Kelli to another one of the many treatments/appointments that have filled her calendar in 2013. I truly do not begin to think that I understand the frustration that she has felt with all that has entailed her diagnosis.  Yet, I have seen so many evidences of her living out I Thessalonians 5:18.  Just today we were talking about all of the tragedy that has struck those around us, and her sense of feeling fortunate inspires me.  I have seen her walk with Jesus deepen, especially her desire to pray for others. Not once have I heard her say, "Why me?" but rather "how can I encourage others?".  I want to mirror that attitude and share the things that I am giving thanks for through this illness that has touched my family...

1.  Our Community:  Simply put, WOW!  We have had hundreds of people reach out to us in prayer, words of encouragement, offers to take Kelli to appointments, hugs, diversions to just keep us laughing....not to mention the unbelievable turn out for her benefit. Overwhelming!! The funds raised were appreciated and the moral support of so many people showing up buoyed our spirits. Thank you seems so inadequate

2. My Jesus Family: An illness like this affects all close to the one enduring and I readily admit that there were days it was hard to even think straight. It was then that other believers reached out to me and let me know that they were walking with me.  We may worship at different churches, but we love the Lord and each other.

3. My Jesus Girls: These women are such an important part of the fabric of my life that I cannot imagine my life without them.  I've always been fortunate to have good friends, yet the Lord has blessed me with a group of women who get what it means to love sacrificially...and I have been the recipient of that this year.  I have cried, laughed, prayed, been hugged, allowed to just vent, and to be real with them.  They have seen some real ugly parts of me this year and never once turned their backs on me.  The coolest thing by far was their diligence in making sure that I was paying attention to my relationship with Jesus.  They called me frequently, asking me how I was taking care of my soul.  They get that I cannot pour into others if I am not going to the Source myself! Beyond blessed.

4. My Lord and Savior: Without Jesus I could not have survived this. He's comforted my fears about Kelli's diagnosis, surgeries, and treatments. He's reminded me often that He is holding Kelli in His hands. He's enveloped me in His grace and mercy when I haven't deserved it.  I never thought I could love Him anymore than I do, but I was seriously wrong about that.  I look forward to seeing Him face to face and trying to tell Him just how thankful I am that I am His.

Am I thankful that Kelli has had cancer? Absolutely not!!!!!!!  God doesn't ask me to be thankful for hideous, bad stuff.  But because of Him, I can find ways to be thankful in spite of the circumstances.