"I'm Thankful"

One of my best friends usually responds to the question "How are you?" with "I'm thankful," no matter what her circumstances are.

I admire this friend a lot and so I want to brag about her a bit.

She recently had major jaw surgery which put her in the hospital for three days and had her very sore and swollen by the time she was allowed to go home. 

Tears filled my eyes when I saw her on the day she got home because I knew she was in a lot of pain but yet filled with the joy of the Lord as she told me through swollen lips and a wired jaw, "I'm thankful," when I asked her how she was doing. Though she couldn't smile with her mouth, I saw it in her eyes as she thanked me over and over for coming to visit. 

Tonight I went to visit her again and she is recovering very well. "How are you?" I asked. "I'm thankful," she replied. Despite feeling nauseous from swallowing blood clots and drowsy from her medication, her thankfulness and joy remain full.

I've always known her to be a typically joyful person but it is especially encouraging to see the Holy Spirit consistently filling her with joy and also strengthening her through tough circumstances.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I have been weak this week. Failing to acknowledge God in the midst of my unpleasant circumstances. He has used my friend to teach me and remind me that I have much to be thankful for.

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" 

- 1 Chronicles 16:34

"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:56-57