The Rest of the Story

Well yesterday I told you I had many more thoughts while riding than what I had written, but felt like I was supposed to quit. Today I realized why I was to wait. I don’t know how many of you have seen the signs in people’s front yards that are yellow and say, “Thank You Jesus.” I have seen them all over the place, have always liked them, and have considered getting one, but have yet to do so. While riding, it occurred to me that I had become so accustomed to seeing them, that they didn’t hold as much meaning as maybe they should. So I decided that every time I saw one, I would think of something specific I was thankful for. I thought about positive things to start with; family, the pretty weather, no road construction, a job I love etc. The more I rode the more signs I saw and the harder I had to really think. I actually said thank you for a dirty windshield because it meant I had been riding. I thanked Him for curves and turns that can be difficult sometimes, because they make me work on my riding skills. I was thankful for cars that don’t always use blinkers, because they keep me on my toes and aware of  my surroundings. They also make me thankful that I’m alive and healthy enough to experience it all. 🙂

I know that even those things that appear to be negative can be positive. I already told you I look at the glass as refillable, not half empty or half full. I know, you can say it, I’m different. It’s all about choices and outlook. Our family has gone through a rough patch the past 4 months or so. Through it all I have had a feeling deep down, that it was all going to be OK. (Other than a brief moment this morning when Satan was trying his best to rattle me, but thanks to a good friend and co-worker, she prayed me through it. Thank you Kym!) You will see in the picture today, 3 people that are very important to me. My father in-law, without getting into too much detail, has been the one going through health issues these past 4 months. Through it all, his faith has remained strong, he has been a champion and handled everything thrown at him with unbelievable grace and calmness. My mother in-law has been by his side, taking care of everything she needed to emotionally and physically to help him remain strong, both physically and mentally. When my own mom and dad went through my dad’s health issues up until his passing, the same was true. My mom was handling everything while my dad was fighting health issues the best he could.

The other person in the picture is my husband. He has been right there with them at appts. and helping any way he possibly could, while having to work 2nd shift which is a lousy shift if you have a family. Many nights were pretty much sleepless and I couldn’t be more proud of him. None of them like to be in the limelight, but I felt I needed to share personal stuff just this 1 time.

Although this has been rough on everyone in the family, I realized as I was saying thank you when I saw the yard signs, that even this was something to be thankful for. No it is not something I would wish on anyone, but it has had positive outcomes. Yesterday when I was thankful for it we didn’t yet know the outcome. Again I will not go into a lot of personal details, but there have been many people praying from across the world, yes the world! There is no way to know how many people have been touched or in how many ways. I can tell you today that we got the best news possible and God has healed him. Yes he took chemo, but I honestly believe in my heart it was God who healed him, not the chemo. He has preached God’s Word for years, and I guarantee a good sermon will be coming out of all this.

I know that every day is a blessing and I will never look at those yard signs the same way again. As you’re commuting every day in whatever mode of transportation you use, take time to enjoy the scenery and be thankful. I know I am!