I’m so thankful for this experience. Don’t get me wrong-I wouldn’t wish this on anyone else. I just can’t stop thinking about all the wonderful things I’m learning as I go through this journey. People say the nicest things, they do the nicest things, and everyone of us-no matter our current situation-is surrounded by things that should make you us feel really, really good.
One of my favorite bible verses is 1st Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances”. It’s interesting…I’ve always tried to live like that, but it didn’t really become easy to do until a couple of weeks ago.
I remember the moment I heard the news when my wife was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. Boy, do I remember. In the single heartbeat that followed the news, though, life was pretty simple. In the end, my friends, very little truly matters. The rest of it is crap.
When you can respond to a problem with, “Yeah, well…it’s not cancer”, and mean it? It makes it pretty easy to sort things into two piles: things that matter and things that don’t. You’re unencumbered by the shackles of “What will people think?” You’re free to be grateful, free to be honest, free to focus on the pile that matters. Just pretend for a moment and try it-you’ll be amazed at the freedom you feel.
Many of you who are reading this know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve walked this path, you’ve lived this extraordinarily grateful life. You’ve been given a reason to look at life with renewed passion and profound gratitude, and you take nothing for granted. Good for you. Teach others through your approach to life. Complain less. Compliment more. Be grateful.
Be Thankful.