Our phones are wonderful things.
For the past two years or so, upon awakening, I ask my phone how many days it has been since the day I was prematurely born. Today, I have been here for 2,663 according to my phone. That is how many, “Thank you’s”, I owe the Lord. Each morning I thank God for everything.
In 2018 we found a growth under my right arm. It was removed and diagnosed as stage four malignant melanoma. I then began a treatment regime of targeted immunotherapy for this cancer, noting that five years earlier it did not exist.
Instead, I received infusions twice monthly, and knew I received God’s Grace simultaneously. Quelling my fears and anxieties there was peace and deepening gratitude for, well, for just everything.
Then in December that year I passed out and was transported to hospital in the midst of a massive coronary. According to the cardiologist I died on the examining table and, he remarked, “Father, you gave us a real spot of bother getting you back”.
After two days in a medically induced coma I received a pacemaker-defibulator and, miraculously, came home to say grace for Christmas. In the grace I thanked God for everything.
So, ask your phone how many days it has been since the day you were born. Wonder at the number of your days on earth so far. And then, see if you feel moved to gratitude and if you are, then even in the midst of these pandemic and otherwise troubled times, thank God for everything.
S
