How often do you give thanks each day? I try to sprinkle liberal doses of thanks throughout mine. And, besides the obvious – that thanks is a prayer to God that I am grateful for even the smallest thing in my life – being thankful has helped me appreciate the good and sweep away stress from the difficult.

Am I thankful for my illnesses? Praising the pain? Well, not exactly. Like you, I’m sure, I’d rather not live with lupus and all the other things that are a constant challenge health-wise. But I am thankful for the care I receive, the new mornings, the people I’ve met because of my illnesses.  On a good day, too, I’m particularly thankful for the moments where I feel uplifted, renewed, rested, and inspired.

Being thankful helps to approach new and existing challenges with determination, resolve. For example, even in the midst of a crisis (perhaps a new diagnosis), finding reason for thanksgiving – catching something early, formulating a plan with the medical team – brings a breath of hope into the situation and helps balance the tough with the tender love God has for us.

Thanksgiving also allows us to find peace in the middle of a storm of trouble. It enables us to gather our angels and face challenges knowing God is good and His goodness permeates even the most dire of situations.

I mentioned the people I’ve met because of my illness. Truly, these men and women, young and not-so-young, are constant reminders to me that health problems need not be “all bad,” but rather bring with them cause for inspiration, encouragement and, yes, thanks.

If we are open to recognizing them.

Blessings for the day,

Maureen