Thankful

No wonder we feel such strength each day--people keep telling us of more people who are praying for us. We are humbled and awed by the prayers of friends and family and amazed at the prayers of strangers--tied together by our common faith in Jesus Christ. We don't need to know each other when He is our common Savior and Lord to be sisters and brothers. We are so thankful for each prayer lifted on our behalf.

Thankfulness seems to be the theme of the day. I've gone back to reading Boomerang Joy. Barbara has a chapter called "Give Thanks." She is so right when she writes, "Why do we take our blessings for granted until they are removed from us? Start today by being grateful for the tiniest things: water to drink, a moment to rest, the color of a flower or sunset or bird. A piece of bread. A song on the radio. Keep looking for sights, smells, sounds, that make you feel pleasure. Write them down. Let's decide to be thankful and encourage one another to cultivate grateful hearts. Remember, no trial or trouble lasts forever. Keep following God, and you will begin to understand that He uses trials to strengthen you. And also remember, the truest truth is that God is thankful for you. He gave his Son to reclaim your life. He invites you into the joy of salvation. That's an awful lot to be thankful for right there. And something else to be thankful for? The fact that you are here to be thankful!"

Ever since Tom was diagnosed it's been the "little things" that have meant so much. There is a rhody in bloom on the route that I walk each morning that is the most beautiful rhody I've ever seen--I get such joy just seeing it every day. Flowers have more beauty this year than ever before. Tom's gentle touches have always made me feel loved--now even more. And when Tom cracks a joke I want the feeling to go on and on--I treasure it. Spending time with children and grandchildren, conversations with friends, every hug is priceless.

We are looking forward to two RV trips in June. Friends will be with us on both. Do you think it's possible the talking box will arrive before either one??? That would be an amazing answer to prayer.

Praise God that the sleeping medication seems to be helping Tom sleep better. Now I need to break my sleepless pattern--hopefully tonight I will be so tired we'll both get a good night.