EVEN SO: A THANKSGIVING STORY

             I was in a black mood on Thanksgiving Day. There are some in my immediate family who would probably call that a huge understatement. I only rallied from an extreme attack of nasty, ugly negativity for a brief time in order to post a ‘thanks be to God’ filled status on Facebook. I refuse to go down the ‘you are a hypocrite, Margaret’ road because when I wrote that status, I REALLY believed it. And after that posting, I felt better … at peace… for awhile. A few minutes anyhow. I quoted Philippians 4:6-7 in the Facebook post: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Why doubt this word when I believe all the healing verses as true, settled in heaven, and the words of a God who does not lie? I know the peace was sustainable, if only I’d have given it a chance perhaps by drawing from some more of my scripture wells and drinking deep of the promises of God. Such as this one: Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

            The ugly malignant melanoma beast reared its vicious head right smack dab in the middle of our family Thanksgiving Day celebration. Even so, this did not change God’s promises, His will, or His love for us. Giving into despair never pays off no matter how justified one feels.

Sarah had planned and then prepared a perfect Thanksgiving Day feast from a beautifully set table to a dinner that included homemade from scratch rolls, vegetable side dishes made from researched Martha Stewart and Emeril recipes, (Brussels sprouts with shallots and pancetta, mashed potatoes with heavy cream, chives and freshly grated parmesan cheese, roasted sweet potatoes), a fresh fruit salad with raspberries no less, coleslaw (Mom’s recipe), and a no muss no fuss no clean up spiral honey baked ham. Then there were two pies, pumpkin and a towering apple pie, each with its own from scratch piecrust recipe. This meal was perfect.

            Jackson was cooing while watching on TV the Lions lose their Thanksgiving Day football game for the seventy-first time in a row. Little Robert was attempting some of his first steps – four to be exact. Big grandpa Robert was writhing in pain due to some relentless pressure in his gut probably caused by the beast.

            It seemed almost impossible for me to get past Robert’s contorted, pain filled face as he scrunched in a corner of the living room in a reclining chair. I was really mad at the devil since I know how much Robert loves family gatherings like this one. It was like this day was being stolen from Robert and me! I was angry. As if that ever accomplishes any good.  What actually happened is that thankfulness withered within my being like a potted plant denied water in a full mid summer high noon sun. Or, like that fig tree that Jesus cursed in Matthew 18. Only my thankfulness withered a lot faster. And there was no peace that transcends all understanding in my heart.

            So, one day late, but way better late than never, I reclaim the peace as I proclaim that I am THANKFUL for:

·        my courageous husband

·        my daughters, Sarah and Bethany and son Justin

·        the sweetest, smartest, most exceptional grandchildren in the world, Robert Charles Ray and Jackson Charles Wrasse and Baby Ray #2

·        Cathy Young,  who has provided  us all with a place to live as we walk through the valley

·        the time we have had with family, time that would have otherwise been eaten up with my ‘to do’ lists

·        an army of BIG UGLY prayer warriors

·        family and friends who have not forgotten us out here on the west coast and continue to contact us with encouraging cards and Facebook messages and financial support

·        our Michigan church, Prayer and Praise Assembly of God, a congregation of loving, faithful, supportive people.

·        our Washington church, New Horizon Christian Center,  praying with us and showing love with meals provided for those days when cooking has been impossible.

·        our awesome God and all that He is and the mighty works He does

·        God’s saving and redemptive promises

·        God’s faithfulness which reaches to the sky and  His love which endures forever

·        more daily blessings than can  be listed – such as …

·        the laughter we all experienced while watching the movie Elf once I finally stopped grumping around the house

Robert was in a lot of pain on Thanksgiving Day. His right arm and hand are limp and useless, and his voice has disappeared into raspy static. Even so, God has called me not to grouch through almost an entire day, but to look through eternal eyes to see the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. And since Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith, this is NOT impossible with God. What we see with our earth bound eyes doesn’t change nor reflect the veracity of God’s promises that we find in His word and hear in our hearts. Even so is the bottom line. When all around us is awful and seemingly impossible to bear, even so, God is still our God. No sympathy needed. No complaining and grouching allowed. This is a strong tower and a safe place to be.

What we want to wither rather than my thankfulness is the tumors! Robert has been praying Jeremiah 30: 16-17a. These verses were prophesized over Robert. I have been praying Psalm 42 as we await the manifestation of God’s promises in Robert’s body. Do not despair! Join with us in prayer in the specific ways shown in these two scriptures or as God leads you. Then, even so, ”many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted in answer to the prayers of many.”  (2Corinthians 1:11)