In Canada, the second Monday of October is Thanksgiving Day and there is no shortage of reminders of the special event.
Be it social media, radio or old-fashioned newspapers, we are reminded of the blessings for which we can give thanks. Though usually those listed are quite obvious, I’ve learned that sometimes the hardest things in life have become the most valuable.
It’s usually very easy to give thanks for earthly comforts but not so much when it comes to displaying genuine, heart-felt thanks for things that hurt. I’ve pondered this topic all week but it was a Facebook post from a friend that summed it up for me. “Even glow-sticks have to be broken before they will shine,” it read. Thanks for sending out that message, David.
So what are some of the more unpleasant things that have enriched my life? I’ll just mention two events that I look back upon with great thanksgiving. First, there was my battle with cancer. It is 24 years ago this month since I received the news, 24 years in which I have been blessed to rejoice at the birth and growth of our three precious grandchildren.
Even more, these have been years of learning to trust God in ways I could not have imagined.
Leaving Saskatchewan, the province I learned to love and call my adopted home, was next in terms of trauma, but over these past 16 years I’ve realized more and more that the Lord was in our decision to move west.
In facing his impending death, Jesus suffered pain, thus identifying himself with us. Here is His promise:
“Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy” (John 16:20).
Psst: Celebrated Thanksgiving early, had pumpkin pie for breakfast.
