Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name.   Psalm 30:4

Life with an invisible illness can be tricky.  There are limitations which others cannot see that become frustrating.  They are vexing because one cannot do the things that they used to do or would like to do.  They may be annoying to others as they expect more than the illness allows one to deliver.  It’s a balance to be maintained as well as managing the illness itself.  But then, all trials present limitations and hurdles that must be managed or overcome.  In the fray, it’s easy to lose sight of the blessings of life and to be thankful for them.  This holiday week, my illness has been pushed to the background to focus on better things as I truly have a thankful heart. 

Marie and I have been visiting my Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Jim at their home on the lake since last weekend.  We are surrounded by the beauty of God’s handiwork.  The picture above is an unaltered photo of the sunset that we enjoyed a couple of nights ago.  I am always amazed at and thankful for the handiwork and creativity of our God. 

I am also thankful that God rekindled the relationship with Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Jim 28 years ago and that they have annually invited us to join them on the lake.  As I consider all the visits here with family and friends in weakness and in strength I am thankful for the blessings of each visit.  I recall wonderful times with my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as relatives and friends of my aunt and uncle.  Many have gone to their eternal rest, but as I look around the home…especially the back porch that looks over the lake, I have wonderful memories of meals, games and conversations.  For these I am thankful as well. 

Last night, our children and grandchildren joined us at the lake.  I am thankful for the safety in travel that God provided.  I am thankful that they enjoy spending time together.  I am thankful for each individual here as they are a blessing from my God.   I am also thankful for the fellowship that we have and will enjoy.  Our relationships are by no means perfect, but love does abound and covers a multitude of sins.  That too is a blessing that I am thankful for. 

Another blessing for which I am thankful is that our grandsons…a fourth generation, have come to love spending time here as well.

Many times that I have come here I have been too weak to fully enjoy the time.  On this trip, I am thankful that I can help my aunt and uncle with chores around their home and the ability to enjoy this time with my family.  I am also thankful for my uncle’s example.  At 93 he is still snow skiing despite his own infirmities.  I am also grateful for my aunt who judiciously encourages him to live well while being cautious about his health concerns.

On this Fourth of July, I am also thankful for the quiet boat ride that Marie and I took with Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Jim a few summers ago.  On that afternoon in quiet conversation, we learned of what Uncle Jim endured a soldier in World War II and gained a greater appreciation of who he is and our freedom has cost.

God has ordained a fair amount of pain, grief and suffering in my life and the life of my family.  However, He has also ordained many blessings.  To allow the suffering to overshadow the blessings would be a travesty.

I pray that as you endure whatever is before you now and as you review the course of your life, that you too find it in your heart to be thankful for God’s blessings and kindnesses as well as the encouragement that they bring.  Further, may you take the time with God to thank Him for all the benefits He has bestowed upon you, not the least of which is salvation through Christ alone.

Sing praise to the Lord and give thanks to His holy name.

Will

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