I’m thankful for my toes. Yep, my toes. After enduring months of toe pain followed by surgery, I realized what a great thing they are!
It’s easy to be thankful for big things—a raise, a healthy baby, a new home or job, and of course a miracle. Check, check, check.
But this past month taught me to be thankful for small things. That means your toes. That means showers, too. It’s so nice to be able to take a shower after a week of foot elevation and sink baths. Aren’t showers great? When’s the last time you thanked God for a shower?
Have you ever been in a situation that made you think small? Noticing and appreciating small things is quite a reality check and puts things into mindful perspective.
The story doesn’t end there. I was angry and frustrated when my insurance company denied coverage of my surgery, not once, but twice, even with doctor appeals. Yet the thought of living in pain was unacceptable. Paying for this out of pocket was no small sacrifice…it’s pricey. However, we decided to proceed, feeling it’s a quality of life issue.
This is the part of the story my friend called my Jesus story. Do you have a Jesus story? I continued to pray that the insurance company would find favor on my case. Not happening. But shortly before the surgery, and I mean a week before, two different tax return checks arrived. Not only did they arrive, in short order, but they were almost to the tune of the surgery cost. Now, that, of course, is no small thing, but it showed me I was putting my faith in man, when God wanted to show me I got your back (or your toe).
Encouragement from friends, a quick text, a facebook comment, seem small and simple, but I
Even strangers can be morale boosters. As I limped through a department store in my sexy boot, a clerk caught my eye and said, “I went through that, twice.” We have the ability to boost a stranger’s situation with an empathetic comment.
What’s a small thing you’re thankful for today? Thank you, Jesus, for getting me to the gas station when my tank was empty and I’m on a bum foot. Thank you Jesus, for the leftover Starbucks card, which led to a lovely, encouraging conversation with a young mom. Thank you, even, Jesus, for the pain I endured. I feel far more compassionate towards those who live in pain on a daily basis or who have permanent disabilities. Thank God for small things.
I believe we all need our “tea and sympathy” when we’re in pain, or cranky, or impatient. Misery does love company, and sometimes you even find out someone’s been in your shoes, before, too.
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name… to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.” —Psalm 92:1-2.
Wow! What is the situation with your toes? I agree, so many seemingly small things we easily take for granted.
Thank you for reminding me to be thankful in all circumstances!!
This topic has been on my mind, thank you!! Hope you heal quickly!
Thankful for this small/big thing! Fri. went to movies, Frys, home, nowhere Sat., Sun. left for church & no house keys (plus several others). They clip on my purse & top part remained–the rest broken off. At church remembered I used Frys card on my keys after movies, called & they didn’t have. Key ring says grace on it, word grace stood out during a song at church so I had hope. Found keys at home!
Toes crooked, out of alignment, nerve pinching…aging issue, lol! Actually very common, come to find out, along with plantar facsites, bunions, etc. Exercise your toes, ladies! (Roll foot over tennis balls, raise up on tippie toes, and apparently even walking barefoot and not in shoes all the time is a good thing….)
I had a pastor once say in his sermon, that a shower can be a good time to thank God for washing away our sins. Showers do refresh us and it is a great time to praise Jesus.