This week’s twin themes of courage and waiting seem like opposites, but they have the same source: trust in God.
In the past two years, I have walked alongside my husband Ken on his journey from good health through a rare heart disease to a heart transplant, with several complications. Last month, he ruptured a disc in his spine while playing racquetball. Now he is dealing with severe pain and a slow process of rebuilding his muscular strength.
Ken has always been physically courageous, but he is not someone who likes to wait. He enjoys motorcycles, model rockets and sports like racquetball that rely on fast-twitch muscle response. But Ken’s health issues have pushed him to new levels of courage and have taught both of us how to wait on God.
The two practices that help us most are Gratitude and Hope. Most days, Ken looks for beauty of some kind to photograph. Each night we name the things we are grateful for. Each morning, we welcome the new day with hope.
When we focus on Gratitude, it builds our trust in God. Trust gives us Hope. It gives us the courage to face difficult or unknown circumstances. It gives us the patience to wait for God’s timing.
God, we are grateful for your love, and the ways you have helped us in the past. Give us courage to face an unknown future. Give us patience to wait for you. Help us to trust you with our whole hearts. AMEN
thank you. this message helped me this morning, especially what you say about your gratitude and hope practices.
Thank you, Becky, for this very personal testimony.
Becky,
The words of courage and wait are the essence of your personal journey with complex uncertain health issues! Thanks! I plan to share this with RN’s in the evening class I am teaching. Your ability to put words to this experience will help others on their journey.
Thank you for the encouraging words. I will be praying for you and your husband.
I thank God for the answer to our prayers for a new heart for Ken. It gave me hope. We are now praying for continued healing for Ken.
On a personal note, I highly recommend Sally Glick’s blog. It has beautiful photography and comes out to your e-mail. http://www.swglick.com/2/post/2013/02/the-power-of-the-slowing.html
Your comments on gratitude and hope are spot on. Thanks.
Becky, I so identify with your stance of Gratitude; it does bring light to the spirit and extends our daily horizons. Wilma Shank
Thanks for your wise words on gratitude and courage. I knew them, but needed to hear them again this morning. A good gift to begin this day with hope and courage for the challenges it will hold. Blessings to you on your journey.
Thanks for sharing your words of gratitude and hope, Becky. “Hope is a Candle”
A marvelous reminder for us all!
This was beautiful. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and personal testimony. I LOVED how you shared “each night we share the things we’re grateful for”.
I am blessed by your helpful reminder that gratitude does indeed lead to hope. Expressing gratitude can revolutionize one’s life. And blessings to you and Ken.