I think about what I’m most grateful for as Thanksgiving Day approaches. My answer remains the same from year to year.
A few years ago, my Bible study leader shared her heart with me about the topic for an upcoming ladies’ Bible studying meeting: In the past year, what are you most grateful for?
As she shared, I began to understand that she wasn’t looking for all the superficial stuff that I normally would say. You know, things like: I’m thankful for my family, friends, job, etc. Although, these are things I am thankful for, she was looking for something much deeper.
Because I didn’t want to disappoint her, I dove deeper into thinking about what I was most grateful for.
Getting a full understanding for the word grateful was the first place I started. I found out that grateful comes from the Latin word gratus, which means pleasing or thankful. I then asked the question: “what am I the most thankful and/or pleased about?” My answer immediately arose from the depth of my soul.
I am the most grateful for my journey through cancer. I’m not saying that I’m thankful for cancer, I’m saying I’m thankful for the journey through it. There is a difference.
A journey is the act of traveling from one place to another.
The Bible tells me that I’m a spiritual being, that lives in a body, and has a soul (mind, will, and emotions).
When I was originally diagnosed with cancer in 2012, I put a starting line as to where I was spiritually, physically, and with the state of my soul. I can honestly say that I’ve traveled to a better place on all levels since my original diagnoses.
My faith is more firmly planted in the Word of God now. I know that I can stand strong no matter what future storms come my way.
I’m in the best health that I’ve ever been in my entire life. This is quite ironic considering what I’ve been through.
I fully understand how the enemy uses my mind and emotions to influence my will against God’s will in my life. I also now know how to win the battle and be victorious.
Romans 8:28 states “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 is a scripture that is real to me and I totally get it. Cancer is evil, but I know and have experienced God using it to work good in my life. I would have never experienced this if I hadn’t walked through this journey. I’m most grateful for the journey.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, look deep within to think about what you are most grateful for. You might be surprised by what you find.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Laura.
