“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30).
Dr. Rosen, a resident at the local hospital, had a patient in room 16 in the emergency room. This patient had told him, “I have so much for which to be thankful.” This same patient suffered from cancer, fluid build-up and respiratory trouble. Dr. Rosen never thought to ask her, “Why do you say that you are thankful?” Instead, he spoke to another resident about calling Psych for an evaluation. He assumed that his patient was living in denial of her trouble. Wisely, the other resident challenged his thinking and sent him back to talk with her further before calling for a psychiatric consultation. Approaching her unit, he stopped at the door of room 15. There Dr. Rosen overheard his patient speaking to several ladies from her church. He heard her say, “My cancer is serious. In fact, let’s be honest. This cancer is going to take my life. I am growing worse. The fluid is building up faster than they can get it taken off. Yet ladies, I have such quietness from the Lord. I am not living in denial. I am walking with my Savior. He has blessed me in every way. He has provided my needs and much more. He even sent you to come and see me today. I am filled with thanksgiving. In fact, about fifteen minutes ago, I told my very pleasant doctor that I have much for which to be thankful. He looked at me like I had more problems than my cancer!” The ladies chuckled. Dr. Rosen walked back to the conference room and told the other resident, “You were right. I don’t think she needs any consult.” Remarkable how a little bit of thanksgiving will impact others around us, isn’t it?
For today: How will your thanksgiving show today?