The Giving of Thanks

The giving of thanks...

When I am with my grandkids, it is always easy to be thankful. Our first grandchild, Kate, had a traumatic birth. Because of a prolapsed cord, she went six minutes without a heartbeat, muscle tone, or respiration. Doctors prepared us for the worst; possible brain damage, problems with speech and coordination, and even death. Kate is now 21; a multi-talented college senior. God is faithful and we are thankful.

Our grandson Caleb suffered with a blood disorder throughout the pregnancy. Many doctors suggested it might be best to "terminate" the pregnancy. When Caleb was born, he had two complete blood exchanges within the first twenty-four hours of life. Caleb is now 14 and in the ninth grade. He is a handsome, talented young man. God is faithful and we are thankful.Matt's middle child, Nathan, has been a joy and delight. As I heard him talking in another room recently, my memories transported me back to thirty some years ago when his Uncle Nathan chattered in our home. Matt's Nathan is musical, and especially loves to play the guitar which brings back more memories of a time gone by. God is faithful and we are thankful.

This year we have celebrated our fiftieth year of marriage. Certainly there have been some major bumps in the road, but the best part is we still like each other! God is faithful and we are thankful.Most of you know our story that we have buried three sons. There is no doubt those events changed our lives forever. Things or money don't matter nearly as much as they used to. Each day matters more. Relationships mean more. God means more. Heaven is so much dearer and nearer. Our kids and grands all love the Lord and are serving Him. God is faithful and we are thankful.

I urge you today to look back and recall God's faithfulness to you. Yes, we have gone through difficult patches, but God has promised He will never leave us alone or forsake us. Take time to thank Him today."I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations" (Psalm 89:1). Marilyn Heavilin is our summer counselor-in-residence at America's KESWICK, serving alongside her husband of 50 years, Glen.