Giving Thanks. It is a good and appropriate thing that our country has a holiday to remind us and re-focus us on the necessity of telling Almighty God thank you; yet it is also sad to me that we need the reminding! Once we start counting our blessings, can we ever stop? I know, REALLY KNOW, that it is easier to count crosses or worries, but it is actually FUN to count your blessings! I try to teach the kids to play along with me. Yes, your ankle hurts from spraining it, but aren’t we so blessed that you can walk? Think how hard it would be to be in a wheel-chair. The marvelous blessings that are our senses can keep us giving thanks for hours. Hearing a child laughing, singing, even fighting! I am even grateful they have each other to fight with! That means they will have each other to talk to, grow old with, hug and yes, even give a life-altering kidney to!
Last week marked the one year anniversary of my transplant. I was told that I would continue to improve for a whole year after the transplant, and boy were they right! Just this last November things have dramatically changed for me. Two weeks before my parents were coming up for Thanksgiving, I decided to move nearly every piece of furniture on the first floor. The Family Room had taken on a decidedly dark feel as it had three brown couches, and two old red chairs that were in desperate need of replacing or recovering. I had repeatedly gone by our local salvation army looking for chairs but when Bridget offered to purchase the fabric for recovering, I agreed to try my hand at slip-covering. A dear friend called while I was crawling around the floor with my fabric and needles. She said, “Erin you are better!” I agreed saying, “Yes I am feeling better.” She said, “No! You ARE better!” It was a moment of grace for me to see clearly that I am better. Through the miracle of science, the generosity of Nick and the grace of God, I am better. I feel much like I did 10 years ago.
I am not at all sure that it is theologically sound to say this, but I believe God blesses us the more we recognize his blessings and say thank you. Try it. Thank Him for the green light you go through when you are running late, and thank Him for the red light that no doubt saved you from the speeding ticket or accident that you missed by stopping 🙂 Really! It works!
I am going to be thanking Him for all of you in my life and especially for the prayers you have offered for me and my family…. you can thank Him too, because they were all answered in a marvelous fashion! Much love, Erin
P.S. There is a lady named Miriam who is suffering terribly and needs all of our prayers please!