I recently received a digital message from a new acquaintance. The message was simply, ‘It is good to give thanks to the Lord,’ and a reference to a section of the Bible. I twirled a rolodex of emotion upon receiving what was intended to be a word of encouragement but which didn’t naturally set well in me.

After some consideration, I resolved, ‘Why not?’.

• I am thankful for parents who, as adults, surrendered to the Lordship and Love of Jesus Christ.
• I am thankful that well over 50 years ago, God allowed me to understand enough of His love for me while I, still steeped in sin, surrendered to Him through Grace.
• I am thankful for siblings who genuinely love me and who work to ensure our connection remains real and consequential.
• I am thankful that, by God’s Grace, I’ve been kept in relationship with God through the power of Jesus’ Holy Spirit.
• I am thankful that I was afforded the opportunity to be educated and to pursue post high school and post graduate studies.
• I am thankful that my ‘high school sweetheart’ is still the object of my romantic affection and that I am still the object of hers.
• I am thankful that Michelle and I are blessed with three children of our own who grew into wonderful adults. I am grateful that Michelle and I are blessed with three children given to us through adoption who are also incredible adults. I am grateful for the nine grand children we can celebrate and who will carry on what legacy we are able to provide.
• I am thankful for the extended family given to us through the effectual sacrifice of the Cross. While our human ‘blood’ connection is diverse, His blood is sufficient to create ties that bind without regard to race or gender or affiliation.
• I am thankful that I have plenty to nourish my body and a space to call home which is free from imminent threat of violence.
• I am thankful that I’ve been given the privilege of working ‘remotely’ for some time. My current employer blesses me with the flexibility to be available to Michelle when needed.
• I am thankful for the opportunity to have pursued medical care for Michelle. While the doctors were unable to effect a cure for her cancer, we were introduced to some caregivers who were a genuine privilege to get to know.
• I am thankful that Michelle was spared any hospital stays this past year. It not unusual for patients with mucosal melanoma to have any number of side effects requiring surgeries or extensive medical interventions. Her only surgical procedure was outpatient and a huge blessing.
• I am thankful for an insurance company which applied the terms of our policy fairly and which paid an enormous sum for Michelle’s medical care over the past year.
• I am thankful for the option of hospice and for the support offered to serve Michelle at home where she is most comfortable.
• I am thankful for Michelle’s ability to watch her body succumb to the ravages of cancer and still be able to be kind to me and others.
• I am thankful that I have a unassailable promise what appears to me as entropy will be met with not just restoration, but with a heaven that surpasses imagination.

I am thankful for far more than these things and will happily share more along the way.

Those who know me know that ‘Thanksgiving’ is my favorite holiday and not (just) because of the food. I believe that there is always something to be thankful 4 and Someone to be thankful 2. The ‘score’ is four to two in my life even when the days are pitch dark.

Michelle was feeling well enough this week to leave the house for the first time in about five weeks. We took a quick excursion into town and she tolerated the trip well enough. We had to add in yet another medication to manage her pain, though. She lost the practical use of her right arm this week. The arm was getting weak already, but it appears that she has a damaged ligament/muscle as well. Unfortunately, her arm is another yet source of excruciating pain. The addition of this setback to what she already faces is really difficult to bear. She loves to walk around the inside of our small house and the fall weather where we live couldn’t have been better for her to get out-of-doors. This too is becoming challenging. Her balance and gait changed this week and she requires assistance to move about as she likes to do.

We would be thankful for the lesser miracles we continue to pray for, but remain steadfast that the greater miracle will come in due time.

About two year ago I read a book called Unoffendable. I am recommending a lot of books recently, but I’m not getting any kickbacks so here is another worthwhile read. I am thankful that we all have a choice whether or not to take up an offense or to live in the center of grace.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord.