Thanksgiving Top 10

As I reflect on this year, there are a lot of things I have to be thankful for. This month I had my last chemo treatment (finally!). I know that your list may be a little different, but I hope that this helps to get us thinking about all of the blessings God has given. (This was published in our November newsletter at Holy Cross. I want to share it with you too.)

10. Faithful Family—My family has been so good to me. Mom and Dad were there for me when I found out I had cancer. Both of them (and my brother Daniel) were able to spend time in the hospital with me (it’s especially impressive because Dad was here for half of Holy Week). All three of my brothers and my parents were able to go with me to chemo at least once. Julia’s parents were also here a lot to help out where they could. They all did what Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

9. Partners in Prayer—I have been overwhelmed by the flood of prayers soaking our Father’s throne in heaven on our behalf. Our merciful Lord was moved to action and has had incredible mercy on me. During the days when I’ve felt the worst it has meant more than most people can imagine knowing that fellow Christians were praying for me here and throughout the world. God says in Psalm 50:15, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." 

8. Dedicated Doctors—From the first day we found out about cancer, God had His hand at work through the doctors and nurses at Western Missouri Medical Center. Before I even regained consciousness from my colonoscopy, doctors were already planning a way to treat this. It was a Friday morning and a major surgery for the following Tuesday had just been canceled. I was now on the schedule. From my own doctor to intestinal medicine, to surgeons, and oncologists, we have been very thankful for all the doctors I’ve seen. And of course there are the nurses too who helped so much and were able to help me keep a positive attitude throughout chemo. Romans 12:6 says, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.”

7. Terrible Treatment—Hear me out when I say this: chemo is the pits! I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy! Most of you didn’t get to see me in the days after treatment (especially the Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays). Just trust me, it was bad. But these treatments should significantly reduce the chance of anything like this coming back—for this I am thankful. Being knocked so low helped me just begin to grasp what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

6. An African Adventure—Long before any of this ever came up, we began planning our trip to South Africa next summer. When meetings began in January, I wouldn’t have guessed that all this would happen. Since we started working on this so early, we never once have had to think of canceling the trip. I’m thankful for 22 other people who want to join me on this trip and others who have worked so hard to see this happen. We look forward to serving with the people of Ntshongweni to do what Paul says in Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

5. My Wonderful Wife—Through all of this, Julia has been amazing. Taking care of me hasn’t always been easy, but she has risen to the challenge. I’ll be honest; there have been days during chemo where I’m not the most pleasant person to be around. Her pleasantness makes up for it and has been a great comfort to me. There’s no way I could have made it without her love and support. Proverbs 31:10-12 must have been talking about her: “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”

4. A Delightful Daughter—Hannah was only ten months old when I had surgery. She will probably never remember this nightmare on her own. But I will always be so thankful for how she handled everything. Her laughter and smiles have helped me feel good on the worst days. I’ve been able to spend much more time with her since I’ve been home sick—time that we wouldn’t usually be able to have together. We couldn’t be happier to see her growing up as God’s child each day. Psalm 90:16 says, “Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.”

3. Patient Parishioners—You, the people of Holy Cross have been so patient and loving towards us. You have understood when I’m not able to get everything done. You made sure that things have kept moving. Just look at what’s happened her since April: we’ve completed our 150^th Anniversary and it’s been a wonderful experience. We’ve started our after school care program and begun discussions about more ministry. You have kept things going and the gospel of Jesus continues to go out from our congregation. For this I am incredibly thankful! Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” I can say that it has been a joy to serve with all of you. 

2. Free Forgiveness— Any time you are forced to sit around, your mind can quickly go to all the mistakes you’ve made. The devil can and does certainly use these times to drive us to despair, anger, or hopelessness. Against these, our best weapon is the promise of free forgiveness. I am baptized into Christ! In God’s eyes all of those things are gone because Jesus died to take them away from me.  Mark 2:5 says, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

 

1. A Living Lord— When the fear of death hits, where can we turn but to the one who has defeated death and the grave. I’m thankful for Jesus’ resurrection because even though death didn’t get me this time, someday it probably will (unless Jesus comes back first). When that does happen we have a Lord who declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)