GIFTS

This week's chemo treatment went amazingly well. 3 down and 9 to go. I spent Tuesday, treatment day, sleepy and a bit nauseous, but much better than previous treatments.

Today I woke up feeling wonderful. I was able to go to bible study which I enjoy so much and have lunch with my sister afterwards. I told her that God was giving me extra blessings today because I have never been able to eat on the second day. I even had the energy to go to the bookstore and find a book for a study my friend and I are going to do together. When Carl finished teaching, we sat out in the backyard on the swing talking about the day. After a quiet dinner we both laughed at which one of us would be able to stay awake past 9:00. A perfectly normal day.

Six months ago, I would not have given a day like today a second thought. I have always gone to bible study, I have always gone to a bookstore, I have always gone out to eat. I talk to Carl all the time. Nothing special.

But it was special. It was a gift from God. Having Christian friends with which to gather together and study God's word is a gift. Having sisters to have lunch with is a gift. Even being able to eat is a gift. And most of all having Carl to talk to, to spend time with and to enjoy my life with is a tremendous gift.

How sorry I am that I have taken those gifts for granted so many times. And how thankful I am that God loves me enough to keep on giving them to me anyway.

Father, forgive me for the many, times I have taken your gifts for granted. Lord I know that each day I awake is your gift to me, waiting to be opened, to do with what I will. Help me not only to see your gifts in the everyday activities of my life, but to treasure them as well. And I will give you all the praise for your great faithfulness and fresh new mercies every morning.