I woke up to my brother’s beautiful text reminding us how special this day is for my mother and siblings. Forty-five years go we boarded the then BOAC (no British Airways) airplane from Birmingham, England and landed at Pearson International Airport. My beloved Aunt and Uncle welcomed us into their home as we began our new life in Canada.
Canada became our new home. We had adjustments to make as newcomers, and I am grateful to everyone who helped us through that transition. It was also very special day because it was my Father’s birthday – he would have been 84 today. My Grandmother Hilda (my Mom’s mother) would have turned 103 today also. So October 7, 2017, on Thanksgiving weekend, is huge for me.
I am still here!
For the last 10 years, every fourth Sunday, my husband and I visit a seniors’ home and are blessed by a group of seniors who number anywhere from 20-24 on a given day, waiting for us to sing with them. One of their favourite songs is “Count your Blessing.” I often challenge them to count their blessings if they ever have trouble sleeping. There is so much to give thanks for that they will fall asleep faster than counting them all. Why not try this yourself.
Food, shelter and clothing are the basics that many do not have, especially in the wake of several natural disasters. Scripture says:
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? (Matthew 6:26, 28-30)”
God says not even the wisest, richest man on earth is as beautifully clothed as the lilies of the field who do not work! Since He takes care of the lilies, will He not take care of you and I!
The fall I had earlier this year could have resulted in ongoing headaches and pain. Sure I was out of commission for a few months, but I’m still here. I could have been swallowed up in depression and anxiety because of the cancer diagnosis and other major stressors in my life but guess what? I’m still here. I have several friends and acquaintances who unfortunately are not here.
You are reading this and might be challenged with an illness or are caring for someone who is grieving or suffering greatly. I hear you. I’m thinking of you. It’s hard, but don’t give up. You are still here. I choose and continue to see life as the glass of water, half full versus empty. We all can choose to be thankful for wherever we are right now versus where we used to be or could have been.
I am thankful. I will forever be grateful. God, the Creator of the universe, has allowed me to meet and be surrounded with so many people from all walks and nationalities. People and experiences have taught me that despite our place of birth, place of worship or position in life we hare the ability to breathe. We share the same colour blood. Let’s use our commonalities to touch others and make lives better.
Give thanks wherever you are this weekend.
Celebrate.
Appreciate.
Celebrate the goodness of the Lord!
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