Thankfulness Is Relief: by Tina Hatchett

Thankfulness Is Relief

There are “seasons” in life that are so difficult you simply struggle to breath.

You wonder if it will ever end.

            For some, there is no light at the end of the tunnel.  This is their life now.  The path has been set, the die cast…this cross will be carried until death.

            How do these courageous lives bear up?  Who in the face of great adversity displays strength of character, and even the will to sacrifice for the needs of other?  The reality of diabetes cannot be escaped or ignored…and yet there must be relief and rest found. 

As we see the gifts all around us, it adjusts our “lenses." It adjusts our perspectives.  It gives us hope.  It reveals love all around us… many times wearing shoe leather. 

As I have counted my numberless blessings this week, I am humbled by the love shown to us:

1.     Our children loving their new school, schedule, and friends.  Diabetes had made our world very “small.” How good it is to breath air among the living again. As our Pastor said last week, “Hope is an amazing thing!”

2.     A phone call last night from a dear friend; just calling to help the children with math homework.

3.     A bushel of beautiful homegrown apples. Applesauce that tastes like “liquid gold.”

4.     Visits from friends - both old and new - that encourage, uplift, and strengthen our family.

5.     A look that says “I believe in you.”

6.     An excellent husband: loving, patient, loyal, tireless, funny, burden bearing, always believes the best in me.  You know you married the right one when you only grow to love each other more.

7.     Friends who are willing to read the pink panther diabetes book just so they can help our children to feel safe.

As you can see, remembering brings relief. 

We are not alone. 

Trials make the relief even sweeter.  Not when this trial is over; we would prefer to fast forward this. 

The relief comes in the trial.  Relief comes from thanksgiving.