Thankfulness

  Despite the constant discomfort and, despite the many frustrations, I truly believe that I have a lot to be thankful for. Just to name a few:

1. Chosen-Not only am I thankful to have been chosen to go through such an incredible experience, I am thankful to have been chosen to be saved. When I think of all the people headed for hell, at least at the moment, all I can do is say, "Thank You, Jesus".

2. Time-Having so many long hours to fill is definitely a challenge but it is also something to be thankful for. In the mornings,when other people are going to work, I can get up, go on my computer and read the Bible all I want. I am also thankful for the times that I have to spend in bed. I can lie there and listen to Christian music and fellowship with God while other people have other things that need to be done.

3. Distractions-I am always thankful that I don't have as many things to pull my attention away from God. Things like a job, family, other activities, etc. My life is tedious, to be sure, but it is also more conducive to keeping my focus on God.

4. Dependency-Because there is almost nothing that I can do on my own, over the years I have learned to depend on God for just about everything. Things other people do automatically, I have to pray about.  I am thankful for that.

5. Not being able to talk-As frustrating as not being able to talk is most of the time, there are times that I am grateful for it. Once in awhile, I have a tiff with one of the nurses, which happens when people spend a lot of time together. If I could talk, I know that I would blurt out something rude and sarcastic but,as it takes her a few seconds to pick up the board, it gives me time to cool down enough to say something politer. In fact, at times, the Holy Spirit will tell me not to say something. I wish I could say I always obey but...

6. Canada-I would be remiss if I didn't mention how thankful that God chose to put me this wonderful country of ours. I can't even imagine what life would be like for me in a less prosperous nation.

7. Little things-One thing that I have done for years is, just before I go to sleep, i think of something specific to thank God for that day. Some days it takes a lot of thought but I can usually come up with something. I am always thankful if I receive a visitor. Or it might just be an e-mail, particularly if it is from somebody who doesn't usually e-mail me. Sometimes, one of the nurses will give me a treat of some kind. When you have been eating hospital food as long as I have, you have to be thankful for anything different.

8. Other Things-I am thankful for friends. Especially the ones that put themselves out for me. I am thankful for the nurses. Not just for the good care but also for the friendship. I am thankful for a church that teaches the word of God. I am thankful for eyes that see and a good mind. Oh, and ears that hear. Most of all, I am thankful that God is. Sometimes I think, "What would I do without You, Lord?".