Gratitude in Uncertain Times

My friend Carol writes, on her Facebook page:


"During lunch, I was reading an article by life coach Martha Beck about thought processes and behaviors in which we engage when we believe we exist in scarcity. One of her suggestions was to write a list of times when you thought there wouldn't be enough of something and you survived.In this time of uncertaintly when so many friends and family members are losing their footing in life - or so they think - I'd like to modify Beck's list somewhat and list a few things that came into my life at a time when I thought all was hopeless."



Carol's note got me to thinking. I remember, at the beginning of this cancer odyssey (I think "odyssey" is the right word; it can be compared to the trials and tribulations of Odysseus!), how I felt the world crashing down around me. EVERYTHING was in jeopardy - yet again.



And I have survived. I have survived time, and time, again.



When I needed money for college - nothing would be coming from family because there was no money to be had - money appeared (in the form of a woman from St. Claire Shores, Michigan, who paid for my education). In the very last year, even with two jobs and scholarships, I was $200 short of being able to pay my tuition - and $200 appeared, in the form of a little-known English majors scholarship.

In seminary, I was one mediocre grade from losing my fellowship; and after much study and prayer, I got the grade that let me keep it. Seven years ago, I was divorced, wondering if I'd survive alone, and found amazing happiness. I got cancer, and almost died from heart failure, but the man who asked me for a divorce back in 2002 came through for me, probably for the first time in his life - and then a longstanding friendship came to my rescue. Having lost my ministry at Peace, a new life and new ministry is beginning to take shape, an old community of friends and loved ones replaced by a new community.

I have learned that money is only money, you can survive having your heart broken over and over again, that laughing every day is healing, and what you thought was important really isn't all that important, after all.