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November 17, 2024
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…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
I fell.
The time had changed, fallen back. It had become dark one hour earlier than the day before.
Took the dog out for his last potty break.
Missed that bottom step.
I flew through the air.
Landed face down on a flagstone walk.
Face down on stone.
Dog sniffing all around my head.
Then I moved. Then I knew.
I knew I had broken my arm.
I shattered my elbow.
The doctor says a bone in my elbow was “sheared off.” A pin is needed.
One pizza-pie shaped piece that God had formed in me originally is now gone forever.
Full recovery expected. Full mobility, not so sure.
I will be doing everything with one hand for a bit.
And while I struggle and slow down, I can’t get something off my mind.
I am realizing the millions of time I forgot to thank God and be happy when my body worked.
We are all just a misstep away (or missed step)…
We are all just a slip and fall away…
We are all just an accident away…
Yet we forget that.
So sure our bodies are going to work, we forget to thank God when it’s good.
And how about everything else?
I found myself praying with my elbow immobilized, “Lord, thank you for every time my computer started, I didn’t lose my phone, my family members came home safely, I didn’t slip and fall.”
You might say I am catching up on my thanks and sheepish at all I have taken for granted.
None of us are promised an injury free life or a trouble free life.
We all know that.
But in living the troubles we miss the millions of blessings.
God’s going to be hearing a lot from me on this matter.
Please allow Him to hear from you too.
Happy Thanksgiving, blog readers!
This week as you celebrate Thanksgiving, count your blessings and thank God, please include thanking Him for every part of your body that functions well.
Don’t forget!
And in keeping with this verse, I need to thank Him for the elbow injury too.
Lord, by faith, I thank you for allowing this broken elbow for Your good story. I pray not one speck of suffering becomes wasted on anyone affected – not my family, not my students or co-workers, not anyone who has delivered a meal. In your hands may all pain, inconvenience and sacrifice be transformed into something so beautiful that the amount of suffering does not compare to the amount of result.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Picture Explanation: My son played lacrosse this fall. How beautifully bodies move! Most times I left with win or lose on my mind, telling me son he did great. I have no recollection of thanking God one time for how the body of each boy was able to play lacrosse that day…a gift.
© 2016 by Oaks Ministries. All rights reserved.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes growth.
1 Corinthians 3:6
8 Responses
I pray your elbow heals quickly and well! Good reminders. This might sound funny, but when I was young, going to the bathroom seemed such an inconvenient interruption to my play. I used to wait until the last minute to go, then skimmed in there as if I was sliding into home base to avoid an accident! Even now, I can complain to myself about this natural part of life interrupting my work, so, to counteract my own negative attitude, I’ve chosen instead for the past number of years to give thanks for kidneys and a liver that works, remembering all the people who can only wish for that. You could call it my “throne room praise.” LOL
Yes, Lord. Thank you for vital organs!
“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me and prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” I have a friend who is dying from lung cancer, and she can barely talk for lack of breath. When I talked to her today, she said very little except, “Isn’t it a beautiful day today?” My friend’s gratitude and your gratitude about your arm bring honor and glory to God! God is pleased, and others – like me- who hear you are encouraged to praise the Lord in all things too!
Your friends’s praise is testimony of the greatness of God. The heavenly hosts are watching as she proves He is worthy of praise even when breath is a struggle. May God hold her in His own right hand and be near to her as He escorts her home.
Laurie,
I’m so sorry to hear of your break! But what a wonderful message and reminder to us to give thanks for our bodies. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Yes, thank God every time you reach for something today with your left arm. It is a gift! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.
WOW! KAPOW! What a potent, vibrant, and timely post. THANK-YOU!!! We have SO MUCH to be thankful for, yes Lord, let me not get distracted by what isn’t – let me REJOICE in every good thing that IS!!! GOD IS GOOD.
I am so thankful this was timely. God’s grace. It’s everywhere, isn’t it? Swim in it dear lady.