A Lifetime of Thankfulness

November starts the 30 Days of Thankfulness posts on Facebook - and one year I posted something I was thankful for each day (Days 1-11 and Days 12-30). I always enjoying reading what my friends post, but after an emotional day, this year I want to focus on how thankful I am for the HOPE we have in Christ - not just for 30 days, but for a lifetime!

Some days it hits me harder than others when my cancer junk is at the front of my thoughts. I can't even begin to imagine what veterans go through with PTSD. 

A graphic popped up on Facebook this morning stating November is National Caregivers Month (in addition to many other awareness issues). So on the way to church I'm thinking about how well my husband and family took care of me - and still do - during my treatment and the emotional roller coaster that is still a daily ride.

Now I begin reflecting on my journey...

While waiting for our service to start, I read an update about a little boy in our church who has neuroblastoma (Coltrane the Courageous). The honesty shared by Coltrane's dad is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It makes my emotional roller coaster look like a kiddie ride.

Now I begin feeling survivor's guilt...

Then we sing Great I Am (Phillips, Craig & Dean) and tears begin flowing as I reflect on the powerful words...

Hallelujah, holy, holy
God Almighty, the great I Am
Who is worthy, none beside Thee
God Almighty, the great I Am

I pull myself together for the sermon, but during offering we sing 10,000 Reasons (Matt Redman). That last verse always gets me...

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore 

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name 

Now I'm just a blubbering mess...

And tonight I read that Fred Thompson died - after a relapse of indolent lymphoma - which just brings up more emotions... and maybe a few fears...

I can't imagine getting through life - especially the tough things of life - without the promise of eternity in God's presence.
 
So, I'm going to keep my eye on the prize and pursue a lifetime of thankfulness for the HOPE I have in Christ - firm and secure!