30 Days of Thankful

It only takes one day at Children’s hospital in Seattle to gain perspective.

Yes, it’s been a rough stretch for us with Nolan and his health issues.

But the support and love we receive from family and friends makes it much easier to deal with.

The perspective gained while at Children’s is unavoidable. Kids and families faced with heartbreaking realities are all around you.

While we were in ICU last week another family on the floor lost their young child to pneumonia.

The temptation to feel bad for yourself is quickly squashed when met with such tragic news.

Yet after spending long hours away from “normal” family life self-pity becomes so enticing.

I guess is it’s just human nature.

The best way I’ve found to move beyond self-pity is to be grateful for what I have right now.

Yes, I want Nolan to be healed and whole…

But I am thankful he’s receiving the best care possible from the team here at Children’s.

No, I don’t want him to suffer with the common cold to the point it could kill him…

But I’m thankful the doctors and staff were able to prescribe the right medications to help him heal.

No, I don’t want him to be sent home on a feeding tube…

But I’m thankful to be able to hold him in my arms again regardless.

See what I mean?

I have so much to be thankful for:

  • Supportive and loving friends and family.
  • A church family that stands and prays with us.
  • Funny people.
  • A loving wife to endure the storms of life with.
  • Pizza rolls.
  • Amazing kids whose faith inspires mine.
  • Baseball.
  • A home to come home to after tough days.
  • Sunshine.
  • TV shows that enable me to turn off my brain and escape for a bit… (Better Call Saul).
  • A dream job I’ve been allowed to do for 12 years and counting.

 

I have so much to be thankful for. So I’m challenging myself and anyone else who’s interested to join me in 30 Days of Thankful.

Through the entire month of March I’m writing at least one thank you card a day and sending it to someone I appreciate.

I think it will help me count my blessings even when I feel like whining.

Wanna join me?

It’s easy. Just think of someone you appreciate and write ‘em a note.

Try to do it each day.

My guess is, by the end of the month you’ll have a great picture of just how blessed you really are.

Write them to:

Your mom, boss, classmate, friend, spouse, kids, grandparents, neighbors, and whoever else you appreciate.

30 Days of Thankful (Yes, I know there are 31 days in March):

Ready… Go!

2 thoughts on “30 Days of Thankful

  1. I’m thankful for you, Andy, and your dedication to and love of God, your family, and uplifting everyone you meet. You are such an inspiration.

  2. Thank you for posting this. It got me thinking. Here are a few of mine
    A loving and faithful God
    Beautiful sunrises and sunsets
    A chance to serve others
    A warm cup of tea and a good movie
    Love of my family even when I do not make it easy
    Avocados
    My best friend

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