For most of the three decades I’ve been
part of Portage Alliance Church, the congregation has celebrated Thanksgiving
together a week after the actual holiday with a full-blown turkey dinner. That
way, our church shindig doesn’t interfere with family events and we can keep
the gratitude, festivities, and feasting going.
So, in keeping with the extended season,
I thought I’d do the same. After all, thankfulness should be a habit all year
‘round.
If you’re like me, you find it
challenging to be grateful all the time. But I love what some smart person once
said: “If you don’t have all the things you want in life, think of all the
things you DON’T have that you DON’T want.”
They are countless, but I’m picking five
that come to my attention immediately. I challenge you to make your own list.
#1. Orphanhood. My Compassion child,
Tarion, lives in Ecuador. Last year, his mother died of complications with
Diabetes. Meanwhile, I’ve endured 54 years of my mother and she’s barely slowing
down. (Kidding, Mom.) Seriously, I can’t imagine experiencing such a
devastating loss as a child and am enormously grateful to still have my mother.
I’d keep her for life if it were up to me.
#2. Homelessness. Last week, I listened while
CHVN Radio broadcast from Siloam Mission in Winnipeg. I heard
stories about life on the streets and how even nights at the shelter, while
safer, are so much less inviting than the privacy and comfort I enjoy in my own
home. I am truly thankful to have never experienced this misfortune.
#3. Blindness. As I write this, the
golden October sunshine streams in through my windows, highlighted by the reds,
oranges, and yellows of the autumn leaves and accentuating the warmth of the
Persian melon walls surrounding me. I use my eyes from the moment I scowl at the
beeping alarm clock until I simply cannot hold them open any longer, savoring
the last paragraph of that “just one more chapter” before snuggling down for
the night. While I complain about needing bifocals and probably even trifocals,
I cannot fathom life without eyesight and I deeply appreciate mine.
#4. Paralysis. I’ve heard of three
people who have suffered strokes following surgery in recent months, leaving
them in worse condition than before the surgery. As I observe their long
struggle to fight their way back, I am overwhelmed with gladness for my
mobility. Getting dressed, walking to work, my fingers flying over the
keyboard, cleaning our house, preparing a meal; I hope I never take any of it
for granted.
#5. A Hellish Destiny. This one trumps
all the others combined. Although death is on the list of top human fears, it
is not one of mine. Not because I’m a brave or good person, but because I don’t
have to dread what happens when I die. I may have been pawned off cheap by the
enemy of my soul, but Jesus Christ redeemed me with his own life. I John 5:13
tells me, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the
Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” That’s what I
call a confidence to be grateful for!
What do you not have that you don’t
want? Cancer? Unemployment? A prodigal child? Divorce? Disability? I’d love to see
your list.
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| A tat like this one would make my list eventually. Or any tattoo, really. |
