Giving Thanks

It was a blessed Thanksgiving with my family today.  Jeremy and I have enjoyed this entire week while he was on vacation from work.  We spent a lot of time doing very little.  It was quite different from the week we thought we'd have before his diagnosis.  We were planning to be in North Carolina with Jeremy's family.  Enjoying an exciting, chaotic, Howard family Thanksgiving.  Instead, we didn't have any extraordinary adventures, but delighted in the restful moments at home.  It reminds me of something our pastor said in church on Sunday:  "It's only when you're engaged in the battle, that you will understand the rest on the other side is sweet".

Yesterday, Jeremy received a call with the official date to begin treatment.  On Friday, December 3, he will have the PET scan and on Monday, December 6, he will begin radiation therapy.  Although we were anticipating an earlier date to begin radiation therapy, we must remain content that this is part of God's plan, therefore perfect timing.  We pray, daily, that God will lead Jeremy and I on the path that he has set for us.  So there is no doubt this is His way.  We will continue to trust that God has completely stopped any progression of this cancer.

Of course I can't close this post without highlighting some of the many things I'm thankful for:

• My husband.  I would never have asked for any of what he is having to go through.  But, his faith and strength has inspired me.  Our relationship has immediately gotten even stronger.  I love seeing God change him through this test of faith.  And I'm so proud of how he is allowing himself to be changed and remaining faithful to God.
• A new perspective.  A week ago, I wasn't able to see past the storm.  All of my blessings seemed so much smaller than the trial ahead of me.  Today, I'm resting in His peace that passes all understanding. I'm thanking Him, every moment, for this time with Jeremy before radiation begins.  Where we can enjoy each other and mature our faith and our marriage.  Focus on our newfound perspective of what is really important in life.
• Healthy children.  The sniffles, coughs and runny noses, make me thankful it's my biggest concern for them.
• Family.  We are so blessed to have strong Christian families on both sides.  To pray with us, counsel us and spend time together.  We are thankful we don't have to travel far to see anyone in our family at a moment's notice.
• Friends.  Talk about not knowing how great your friends really are until you need them.  I have never asked for help other than prayers.  The support has been immediate and overflowing.

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:18