1000 Gifts

In her book, 1000 Gifts, Ann Voskamp has helped many including Carol and me to cultivate an inner posture of thankfulness. One year ago this month I checked into the Emergency Dept. of the hospital in White Rock, feeling increasingly unwell. That began the saga of the past year that has included many weeks in hospital, needle pokes, surgery and health-care professionals attending to my needs. And today dialysis is a regular part of my week, and chemotherapy is on hold until my bloodwork and body suggest it is needed again. My strength is increasing, renewed each morning, and I am without pain. I believe God has been at work giving me his health for each day, and I feel as though I have 1000 gifts for which to be thankful. Beyond the physical renewal, I'm grateful to have experienced the reality of the presence of Christ in my life. A couple of years ago it was my deep desire to experience this at a new level, and God designed the right "school" for me.

A year of laying low, being dependent on the direction of others, takes a lot, but it also gives a lot. I'm immensely grateful for the many wonderful caregivers in our amazing health-care system: I don't have any complaints. I'm indebted to a host of friends who have expressed their concerns and prayers on my behalf. My amazing wife Carol and my kids and grandchildren have been gifts to the spirit without equal: I'm blessed.

Now the challenge is to "get on with my life." My health is stabilized and improving, and it is time to re-engage. I'm reflecting on and listening for the clues of what that should be. For each day that God gives me I want to be His influence for good in this world.

God is completely trustworthy and good. His best gifts are never withheld but given freely the moment they are needed.

Bob (for your regular 'reporter' Carol).