I have been thinking about things I am thankful for this past week. I have been blessed with a wonderful life so I have many things for which to be thankful. One of the seemingly simple things, but perhaps the most useful is the gift of my hands. They are just ordinary hands but I thought about all the things I do with my hands every day and how difficult it would be to do those same things if I didn’t have functioning hands. I can use my hands, (although like the rest of me, they are getting spotted and older and a bit weaker) for typing this blog, writing letters, playing the piano when the mood strikes, cleaning my house, pulling weeds and planting flowers in my yard, making cards for the church ministry, sewing and patching items when necessary, cooking meals and folding them in prayer. The list is endless.

When I see folks who are born without hands or lose one or both or the ability to use their hands to an accident, disease or some other tragedy I am in awe of the way they adapt and learn to adjust their lives in such a way where they can still accomplish much. They seem to be able to overcome this affliction by using their mouth or feet to draw, write, paint, feed themselves, use a keyboard, cook meals and so on. Many are fortunate to have access to prostheses that have become so sophisticated and serviceable, they can perform any task our fully functioning hands can do. 

I am also thankful for God providing people with powerful minds and fighting spirits, supplying them with the strength to adapt and adjust to problems they face with perseverance and dedicated effort. I am thankful for the researchers and doctors who are given the ability, intellect and desire to create these wonderful medical miracles to help those who are in need receive what they need for their daily living. Mostly, I am thankful for our God who provides for us in every way whenever we need it.

I am reminded of these words from the song “All Good Gifts” from the musical Godspell taken from the Gospel of Matthew.

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above.

Oh, thank the Lord, thank the Lord for all his love.

Even in our darkest hours and when we need Him the most, we know that God is there to help us through with his faithful and unconditional love always and forever.  This is the biggest gift we can receive.  Let’s thank the Lord for all his love!

Patty