Giving thanks
Melanie - November 23, 2009
I spent the weekend out of town with my best friend's family. While we were there, we decided to take the kids to go visit her grandfather who is in a small, private nursing facility suffering from Alzheimers disease.
He was having a good day and glad to see the kids. In fact, he seemed to rise to the occasion and even pretended that he knew who everyone was, though I'm not sure he really did.
But what broke my heart was one of his fellow patients in the common living room area. She is sixty-two years old and has advanced Alzheimers. As she watched the kids play and laugh, she said, "I used to have a family like this a long time ago". It took everything in me not to fall apart on the spot. And it made me glad that God is merciful and doesn't wring my ungrateful neck for all the times I take my blessings for granted.
This life can be hard. He tells us in John 16:33 that "in this world you will have trouble", but he also tells us to take heart because He has overcome the world.
If that's not something to be grateful for today and every day, then I don't know what is.
"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever." Psalm 30:11-12
We'd love to hear what you're grateful for this Thanksgiving season.
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris
Comments (4)
Wow, my Dad spent the last year of his life in an Alzheimer’s unit. So very hard. I’m thankful though that I had an incredible Dad as long as I did (til i was 30) and had a great childhood. I’m thankful for my parent’s fun, sweet, affectionate marriage while they had it.
I’m thankful for my family, my job, my health and that i get the undeserved privilege of knowing God, of loving Jesus. And of being known and loved by Him.
And on a lighter note, I’m thankful that i get to eat Pumpkin Crisp in less than 48 hours.
Paige
Posted on November 24, 2009 10:31 PM
Melanie, I am so grateful that God has lavished His abundant grace and mercy to me. Grateful for knowing Him as my Lord and Savior. Grateful for the price He paid for my gift of eternal life. I am grateful for my family and my friends, for my job as a church secretary and for the best ladies Bible study class in all the world. I am grateful for all His provisions: water, food, clothing, a home, a car (and every other thing we take so for ganted in America).
Posted on November 25, 2009 9:25 AM
Amen. Every single day. Happy Thanksgiving All Access Crew!
Posted on November 25, 2009 9:49 AM
This really touches my heart. My mom went to be with the Lord on November 7. She had alzheimer’s disease also, but was only 60. While it is a tough season right now, I am extremely thankful to know where she is and Who she is with, that she is perfect with her Savior. No more tears, no more sadness, no more alzheimer’s. I am thankful for my family and also my church family. I am thankful that I will see my mom again. I am thankful that we have the promise of eternal life. I am thankful for the grace and love of God.
Posted on November 25, 2009 7:46 PM