Before Joel's accident, I finished Ann Voskamp's book, "One Thousand Gifts." Good thing, too, because her perspective has been invaluable through these weeks. I even preached a sermon at church (at the last minute) on this topic - and now I get to live it to the max! Basically, she contends that in the Scripture, thanksgiving always precedes the miracle, and thanksgiving produces joy. In the first week at the hospital, I started a journal of things for which I feel truly grateful. When I try, I can find myriads of little blessings in the midst of this great calamity. I'm up to 290 right now. Here are a few that seem universal:
#6 - Sunshine pours in our window in the morning
#21 - Sarah can drive
#39 - Facebook
#49 - Good Earth tea
#81 - Though I am weak, the Lord is strong
#108 - Whole wheat crepes for lunch
#169 - Daniel hugged and encouraged me when I cried
#202 - A good nap
#224 - Seeing smiling little kids
#254 - Walking at the New Hope YMCA while watching Jeopardy
#288 - Pete got the OK today to walk without limping as possible
Just tonight, while Joel slept after the second busy day in a row, I donned tennis shoes and T-shirt to walk for some much-needed exercise. I decided to explore the other end of the parking lot and to my surprise, discovered the Three Rivers Recreational Area and its mountain bike trail. The heavily wooded area could have passed for Sibley State Park; the trail provided comfortable walking; various wildflowers bloomed along the edge, and I ended up in Schafer Park with its own tiny swamp and a bridge over a creek. What a gem! Quiet, peaceful (except for bikers whizzing by) Nature, right in the middle of the city. As I headed into the hospital, two rabbits hopped across the lawn to a peony patch.
Thank you, dear Lord, for your many good gifts. Help me to be truly thankful "in all circumstances," and to trust You in everything. Amen.
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