Day 11 ~ Gratitude

Last winter I began reading Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts. At the time I was inspired by her words yet not until many months later would I realize how daily thanksgiving would carry me through some of the hardest days of my life. I would clearly see God's blessings which would comfort me while in the midst of fear and heartache.

Some may know this story. I apologize if you've tired of it but I never tire of remembering God's faithfulness! My daughter was involved in a car accident, an accident in which many rescue workers on the scene believed would result in fatalities. But God spared my daughter and her friend. The road to recovery could have been much longer for these girls yet they both keep impressing their doctors with the strides that they have made.

My daughter was the passenger in this car. When I first saw this my mind replayed what we were told about the accident. The car rolled sideways, flipping approximately three times and ejecting Breanna and Megan on it's third flip through the air. I tried to imagine the complete fear that they must have felt as they were tossed around in a car that was crushing in on them. I think the fact that neither can remember the accident is an extreme blessing.

On Friday, my daughter and I will be going to NYC, a trip neither of us have ever made. This trip was planned early last Spring, before the accident, by my mother who wanted to take my sister and I, along with our daughters, on a NYC Girl's Trip. I was excited last spring as we planned. Today I am OVERJOYED. I am going to enjoy the time spent with my daughter, my niece, my sister, my mother and my grandmother so much more than I would have before the accident as I now have a much deeper appreciate for life and the relationships of those in my life.

Four months ago, as my daughter lay in the hospital bed, intubated, hooked up to monitors and iv's, this trip was furthest from my mind. If I had even thought of the trip it was with doubt that we'd even make it to New York City as planned. On June 4th, I cared little for our NYC trip, I only wanted my child to be well. But as she's quickly progressed, this trip has become much anticipated. Something to look forward to when the calendar seemed filled only with doctor appointments.

Breanna on her birthday, 8/5/2012 (two months after the accident)

During the time we stayed in the hospital I learned the value of gratitude. We had much to be thankful for despite the obstacles. God was blessing us with caring nurses, competent doctors (many the best in their fields), kindness from friends and strangers, and a life that He was restoring in Breanna. With each thanks that I lifted to heaven, a burden would also be lifted from my weary shoulders. Each time I gave thanks, He showed me His multitude of blessings, His faithfulness and His never-ending love. And each time I was in awe of His greatness.

So you see, this trip is a really big deal to me. It's a time to celebrate. It's a time to spend with my daughter and I will cherish every minute of it. It is also a time to build and strengthen my relationship with the women in my family. 

Today I am so thankful for life, for family and for a God who continues to shower down blessings during both the joyous days and the hard days....and I will thank God for ALL my days. 

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

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