“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4: 12-13)
I have a unique perspective on Easter due to my years of dialysis and eventual transplant. For me, the holidays of Thanksgiving and Easter are forever intertwined. They are no longer holidays –but attitudes. My trials forced me to see that things I assumed were ordinary were not so ordinary. When I was reduced to nothing, I realized the very essence of my being could only be controlled and rescued by a loving Savior.
I learned through my struggles to truly depend on God’s grace throughout my day in order to survive. Therefore, I can be grateful, even though my life may not be deemed successful by other people’s standards.
I wasn’t thankful for family, until I lost my mother to cancer. I wasn’t thankful for walking until I had mini-strokes which left one side temporarily paralyzed. I wasn’t thankful for breathing until I faced respiratory failure which almost put me on a ventilator. I wasn’t thankful for life, until an unknown person lost theirs so that I could live.
As these experiences happened many years ago, they are and forever will be engraved on my heart, with my scars serving as a constant reminder of God’s unlimited mercy and grace. They changed and shaped me into who I am today.
Prayer: Lord I am thankful that you know everything about me, from the number of hairs on my head to the number of days I have here on this earth. Thank you that all my struggles are a part of your plan.
About the author:
Tracey Brown lives on a farm with her husband of sixteen years, who has a form of muscular dystrophy. She survived four horrific years of kidney dialysis before receiving a successful kidney transplant twelve years ago. She enjoys gardening, playing her flute, and ministering to children.
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What are some ways to show gratefulness, especially when challenges are so great? When you think of Easter, what are You thankful for here on earth in addition to Christ’s resurrection?
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 