what am I thankful for?

I am thankful for the people that God has brought into my life. I am thankful for their kindness, generosity and compassion. I am thankful that they care about me and are willing to support me during this season of my life.

I am thankful that I have not been overlooked or forgotten. I am thankful that after many years of giving, caring for, carrying, supporting and being there for others, there are some who are willing to be here for me.

This comes at a good time, because lately I have been in more pain and I am feeling more and more fatigued. I have had to increase my pain medication. I have five levels of pain meds. Sunday, I had to go to level four. I was really out of it. I am still feeling some residual effects of the increased medication.

I am beginning to process all that I need to do prior to my upcoming surgery. Each day, I move forward by trying to complete one more thing on my to do list before surgery. My list is long and I am glad to have over a month to prepare.

I have a friend who had the exact same surgery last year that I will have. So, I have lots of inside information. I am being counseled to prepare sooner rather than later, to get a lot of my paperwork done now, to set up my advance directives, and complete appropriate insurance forms.

At last Friday’s small group meeting, we were asked to share what we were thankful for. Initially, I thought and felt that I had nothing to be thankful for. All I could think of was all of the pain, sorrow and suffering that I have had to endure this year. Then I realized that I am thankful for the people God has placed around me during this season of my life.

I am thankful for all of the support that I have received this last year. I am thankful for all the people who provided me with rides to my therapy sessions. I am thankful for the encouraging words of support that have been expressed. I am thankful for everyone who has committed to support me in prayer. I am most grateful for those who have fasted on my behalf. I am deeply appreciative of the generous hearts of those who have helped me through this tough time. I am thankful for those who are willing to support me after my surgery. I am thankful that I do not have to go through this alone.

I am thankful that Warren Sapp made it to the final three. I am thankful for e, j, m and s. I am thankful that God gave me a heart, I hope that one day I will be able to use it to the fullest. I am thankful that Christmas music is prevalent wherever I go. I am thankful that even in these trying circumstances, I have a roof over my head and food to eat.

All in all, I consider myself rather fortunate. I know that I know in my heart of hearts that I am not alone. I know that there are people that I can call upon when I am in need. All I have to do is reach out and receive.

With a very grateful and full heart, Rick