Here in the United States, this is the time of the year when we stop for a day to give thanks for all of the good things in our lives.
This year is especially meaningful to me. You see, one year ago, on November 11, the doctors told me that I wasn’t going to live to see another day.
I was told to get my affairs in order and I stopped and looked back at my life. There was only one relationship that needed mending and I was able to get that accomplished.
My children wanted to come to the hospital and visit me but the doctors thought that what I had was airborne contagious. It took all my strength to tell my kids that I was okay and that they didn’t need to come to see me. I was concerned that they or my grandchildren might catch what I had, so I didn’t wanted them anywhere near me. Of course, I found out later, that I had not been as convincing as I thought. My younger daughter and her husband dropped everything and headed to Dallas.
The thing I remember most was searching my heart to see if I was afraid to die. The blessed thing was that I had no fear. I knew that if I died, I would be in heaven with Jesus and the family members who were Christians who had proceeded me. I was sad to be leaving my husband, my girls and my sweet little grandchildren but I thought if God wanted me home, then it was the right time to leave.
With that assurance to comfort me, I settled back into my bed but continued to battle whatever it was that was trying to kill me. You see, even with the assurance of heaven waiting and the pain of fighting a hard battle, I still chose life instead of death. I wanted to live but would gladly leave if it was God’s will.
When the day dawned on November 12, I was still alive. For me, that is the day I will consider a new life day. A second chance at life. I knew that I wasn’t going to die. I was given an opportunity to finally put God first in my life in all things. Something I should have done decades ago.
The nurses weren’t so certain. I heard later that they would start their shifts and then come to see me even if I wasn’t their patient. They were willing me to live and I was so appreciative of them. Nurses are a wonderful comfort. They are in the trenches with you all day long.
Not only did I live, I actually sprung up and started talking (and talking and talking.) The results of their steroids working. I made a really quick recovery to be moved into a regular pulmonary unit and was talking and eating and talking and eating. I was beginning to walk and made sense of my days. Though it was against my pulmonologists orders, when she went home for the weekend, the doctors released me and sent me home. That day was November 19.
Once home, I was weak but happy. I could get from my bed to my living room and back with only a little bit of help.
I’ve come a long way over this year. There have been ups and downs along the way. There are times, like now, where I’m battling enormous pain and trying to find my peace and joy in life.
No matter what, I am thankful to still be here. To still be alive. I get to spend time with my husband and kids and grandkids. I can spend a little time each day reading when the pain levels are down. I can even do a little bit of my hobbies to keep my mind active.
This is a wonderful week for my husband and me. We consider it one of the best Thanksgiving we have had. Our thanks are to God for the great life that we have. For family, friends and country.
Most of all, though, my thanks are to Jesus. It was through his sacrifice that I have peace of mind. He died for me while I was still a sinner and his enemy. He loved me and wanted me to be his own. When I discovered that love and gave him my life, I experienced a new birth. The new birth was in my spirit. God now lives in my heart, thoughts and mind.
It is because of this, I could be willing to leave this world without fear. As you give thanks, whether it be on our Thanksgiving or just on your own, consider whether you have this inner knowledge, this peace, this love in your life.
If not, please look to Jesus. He is waiting for you and he loves you more than his own life. While he was dying on the cross, he looked across time and saw you. He saw everything you have done or said or thought. He saw all of this and said to his Father, I will give everything up for this one. If only this one will come to know me as their savior, I will be happy to made this sacrifice.
As I give thanks for my new life, I’m also giving thanks for anyone who reads this and comes to know Jesus today. Please be the one that I am thanking God for. I hope to see you in heaven one day.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.