Thankful

C.S. Lewis said "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

As Thanksgivng day approaches, I am asking the Lord to make me thankful even for the pain. Right now, I don't have any: my marriage is thriving, our adult children are serving and happy, Grace and Caleb are doing well in school, have friends and are growing in the Lord. Ministry is great. The Lord has given us a wonderful supportive family, and great friends in the states, on the field, and here in our assignment, and has provided us with everything we need and some extras that just plain bring us pleasure. Life right now is good, better than good, great. We are all healthy and all is well with our souls. I truly feel blessed and thankful, because of my circumstances, BUT...

There have been times in the far past, and recent past, and will be times in the near future and far future, when I know, after 44 years of life, that life won't feell/seem great. We all know that our circumstances change: environment/country/situations/relationships/health, can all change at a moments notice. In those times, I want to remain thankful, grateful and feel His blessings. Not just when things are going well. I sincerely want to hear His whisper, His voice, and His shouts to me, in every situation.

About this time last year is when I took my terrible fall and went through more physical pain than I thought I could endure, then back surgery, recovery. I can tell you from experience, that He shouted to me through the pain, and I was listening and hearing His voice over me. He truly does rejoice over us in singing. He is our Great Physician, Our Helper, Our comfort, Our refuge and strength. He does use those in our lives to encourage, love, bear all things, serve and care for us.

I am thankful to you, Lord, I beg You to continue to give me that sense of peace and gratefulness no matter what tomorrow brings. And give me boldness to proclaim Your greatness like a megaphone to the deaf world. I know I can't do it alone, I know more than ever how much I need You, and I desire to hear you speak to me and then through me in whatever physical or emtional pain that You ever allow into my life. Speak Lord, your servant is listening.