Gratitude…

Each Christmas our family has a tradition of giving a gift to Christ in celebration of His birthday.  We do this before exchanging gifts to one another.   Through they years we have watched as our daughters have given things like a ball, and childish things from their little hearts to hearing them say as adults what they want to focus on throughout the coming year.    This year was no exception and although I cannot remember what we each said, I know that I said I was going to give the Lord my gratitude. 

Do I daily get up and tell Him what I am grateful for?  No, not really, but I do try to focus often on what I am grateful for. 

This past week was a harsh reminder for me that there are many things to be grateful for.   Mid-week I received a text message from the daughter of a forever friend.  The text was urgent and you could feel the anxiety in the brief words that were sent.  Her dad, a dear friend of ours was transported to the emergency room for a possible stroke.  Not his first. 

With the world as it is, I knew there was a strong possibility that his wife, a woman I have known since kindergarten, would not be able to be with him.  Yes, I did start to pray as my heart sank. 

An emergency is always a heart sinking moment, but, with all that is going on in this world right now, an emergency ratchets up the heart beats.   This was no exception.  

My friend was able to be with her husband in the emergency room, as he was unable to speak and communicate.   She was his voice for that time, although he was admitted and she had to muster her strength and courage to see him wheeled to his room as she was heading home.  

He is now home.  Not a stroke exactly, but a sort of seizure and pneumonia.  He was tested for this virus and it was negative.  He is now speaking and recuperating at home, beside his wife. 

All of this hit hard.  Yes, I realize that in your mid sixties you begin to face your mortality.  People you know and have had relationships with begin to pass away.  All of this is a harsh reality to me.  I confess with the initial text message I thought the worst.   I was angered that I didn’t go to an abundance of hope and faith initially.  I floundered in my emotions, my prayers were scattered.   But…

But, we serve a God who speaks peace.  He speaks hope.   He speaks life.  He speaks. 

For His voice I am grateful.   I am grateful for His truth. 

Tomorrow is Easter, and we will celebrate Him risen, a victor over death and the grave.  I love Easter.   I love the celebration.  I love that He is the reason for this holiday.  

This afternoon as I finished making my homemade Easter eggs, I looked out the window and saw the trees in my yard all bright green with new leaves and limbs.   Hope for another season.  Growth and life.  All reasons to be grateful.  And I am. 

Thanks for stopping by.   Stay healthy, stay safe, wash your hands!   Cathi (DAF)

 

 

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