What a week!
Unbeknownst to me, one of my sons began hurting one week ago today and after an uncomfortable night was sent to the ER. After he was admitted, we sat in the hospital, with curtains for walls, and could overhear practically everything being said by everyone in the near vicinity. Monitors were going off so there were “Beeps” galore. Blood was drawn. A Covid test was given, temperature taken and assessments were made. For the next 28 hrs until surgery, additional intercom announcements could be heard that switched between ‘Code Blue’… ‘Code Red’…, and ‘Code Orange’. The last one came with blinking lights on the ceiling – alert indeed!
The hospital was prepared for every color-coded situation and the appropriate help was called for each specific need. I realize that in life, we try to be prepared and self-sufficient but sometimes we need extra team members to gather and help us in times of need. You know what I’m talking about right? When those times hit gratitude is essential. Obviously, it’s a topic that has been on my mind this month and for the record, I practiced it during hospital visiting hours — it made a big difference!
“Some of the first things we feel when we experience gratitude are gladness, satisfaction, pleasure, serenity, and gratification. Gratitude is so empowering that our lives feel more significant, with more depth and meaning and our spirituality is definitely increased.” (Ed J. Pinegar)
You see, even in a crisis, gratitude can make things better. My son experienced a ‘Code Appendix’. I’m not sure what color that would be in my crayon box, but it was indeed important that he get the help he needed, to literally save his life.
When we are willing, God walks us through each moment. He gathers a team and knows how to perfectly support us through our challenges. Sometimes we need professional help, prescriptions, sometimes friends & family, but every moment we need the Savior. “Trust in the Lord with All thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-7) We learn the most when we include Him along our journey and lean on and trust Him.
I typically dislike going into hospitals because I’ve associated them with suffering and pain. As I walked out after my son’s successful surgery, I realized what curious places hospitals are. Sad things go on inside but miracles happen there too. They are a place where people both enter this world and leave it, and God is in the timing of it all. Modern-day wonders take place therein; hearts can be softened or challenged but when we partner with Christ, changed. When we pray for God’s intervention and accept the tutorials life offers, he allows us to have more understanding and wisdom and I am grateful for that. I had a lot of time to think about my blessings as I listened to the ticking of the clock, the beeping of blood pressure cuffs, and soaked up all the footsteps of hospital staff as they rolled gurneys to and fro. I am grateful for my health and the opportunity to be a wife & mother. I hope you’ll take some time to consider your unique blessings too.
Action Opportunity: Squeeze in a little more gratitude this Thanksgiving. After your Thanksgiving meal let each person share one thing they are grateful for. Adding gratitude to your holiday feast will make it unforgettable.
I send you off with the warmest Thanksgiving wishes!
