After my long and whiny rant on Facebook (about being tire of being sick), I
decided I needed some perspective….
I am thankful for my husband who is
taking care of me—and I pray that he will
find relief from the pain that grips his knee every day, and that a way will be
made for him to have the surgery he needs.
I am thankful for my mother-in-law
who keeps my family fed most nights and has been picking up even more of the
slack while I’m down (I usually at least clean up!)—and I pray that she will be comforted when she grieves and that her
aches and pains will be relieved.
I am thankful that I have a job and
paid time off—and I will pray for those
who are looking for work to find a job that will not only feed their family,
but will provide them a sense of purpose.
I am thankful for my bed that has
allowed me to be (mostly) comfortable during this time—and I pray for those who don’t know where they will put their heads
tonight (or tomorrow or the next day….)
I am thankful that the pneumonia is
gone and my son has a clean bill of health—and
I pray for those who are sitting with their loved ones in the hospital
wondering if they will ever get to come home—or knowing that they will not.
I am thankful for health insurance
that provides for the medical needs of my family (except John’s surgery)—and I pray for those who do not have
insurance, or who have such high costs it makes it impossible to use, that a
way will be made that will provide for their family—whether and increase in pay
or a reduction in costs.
I am thankful for my house that
keeps me warm when I need and cool when I need it (and blankets for when my
husband or teenage son want it colder than I want it!)—and I pray for those who huddle together to try to stay warm that their
needs will be met.
I am thankful for a refrigerator,
freezer, and pantry that are full of foods for my family—and I pray for those who wonder where their next meal will come from
that someone will be Jesus’ hand extended to feed them, and their long term
needs will be met.
I am thankful for clothes to wear
(that are smaller than the clothes I wore 2 years ago!)—and I pray for those whose clothes are tattered and worn that God will
provide resources to help them have their needs met.
I am thankful for friends who are
willing to help me with their professional expertise—including nurses, EMTs, and HR representatives—and I pray that they
will be blessed in their jobs and that they will know that they are the hands
and feet of Jesus when they serve others.
I am thankful for my home church that
is helping me find and fulfill my unique purpose in this life—I pray that those who are looking for their
purpose will be drawn to the One who created them.
I am thankful that I live in a
country where I have the freedom to worship the God who made me—and I pray for the families of those who
took a stand for Christ and paid the ultimate price—whether in Oregon or in a
foreign land, that they will rest in the peace of the God of Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob.
Finally, (for now) I am thankful
that my illness, while bothersome, is temporary—and I pray for my friends who are dealing with (often) invisible
illness that they will find strength for the day, joy in the moment, and peace
to sustain them.
Copyright Julie Donahue, 2015
www.halfajulie.blogspot.com
Blessings!
I love this. Thank you. I am thankful for you and pray for your peace and health.
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