Scripture: 1st Chronicles 16:34
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
Thought for the Day: I recently purchased Anne Lamott’s book, Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers. It’s a great book, and I was shocked how quickly I found myself at the end…almost disappointed that there wasn’t more. As you can guess, one of the prayers she finds essential is the prayer of gratitude. Lamott isn’t looking for complicated or highbrow. In fact, she’d probably suggest that’s one of the problems with prayer. In reading her description, I became very aware of one particular reason for me to find an appreciative voice. Yesterday, June 5, was the 15th anniversary of my diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis. It is hard to believe that 15 years have come and gone, especially because of what I experienced the first year. Not only did I have significant physical problems, but I also dealt with the grief that came about as I faced the potential loss of my dreams. It was made pretty clear to me that I would be on disability within 5-10 years. I met so many people, amazing people, who were confined to wheelchairs and dealing with permanent impairment. My theology doesn’t suggest that I was spared by God or that my prayers worked better than others. Jesus spent a lot of time redirecting people’s perception of prayer from that of a requisition form to something that was about relationship forming. At the same time, I believe prayer (especially those who have been tenacious in their prayers for me) – alongside good doctors and new medications and changed diet and an amazing spouse – have been essential to my continued good health. If things would change tomorrow, I wouldn’t blame God as if somehow I had lost the divine favor. Actually, I really believe I could still find an appreciative voice through which I could offer true gratitude. But as this day begins – the first day of a new year – I give thanks simply because of all that I have observed and experienced and shared. God has been a part of it all!
Prayer: Thanks God! You’re awesome, and your gracious presence has been a friend to me through the good times and the rough times. Again, thanks! Amen.
