Today we examine what we are thankful for and count our blessings. As I reflect on this, I am astonished by what comes to mind. Of course, I am thankful for my family, friends, food, shelter and my relationship with God; but what I am most thankful for this year surprised me and will probably take your breath away too. I am actually most thankful for ALS. I will give you a moment to process that thought...
How can I be thankful for something that has turned my family's life upside down? ALS has realigned us, redefined us and redirected us. Prior to ALS, our priorities were probably fairly typical for families in this nation - career, money, ourselves. After being on this journey for about two years, our priorities have shifted to relationships with God, each other and friends. ALS has caused us to jump off that treadmill of life we were on and move at a much slower pace. We frequently sit down and enjoy a sunset or an uninterrupted conversation. We no longer feel guilty saying "no" to activities and meaningless pursuits that simply filled our time.
ALS has redefined us as a family. We must be filled with faith, courage and hope as we battle this disease. We can no longer feel responsible for all the circumstances we find ourselves in; we see a higher power in action. We must face each day with courage that comes not from our own strength. We stay focused on the hope that there is more to life than this.
My life has been redirected by ALS. I was content to stay at home while Akhil worked perhaps not fully utilizing the gifts I have been given. ALS has caused me to step out in faith to realize a dream. If it weren't for the pressure of ALS, I probably would never have had reason to pursue the dream.
This Thankgiving, I give thanks for the place I am. I see that it is exactly where I am meant to be so I can become the person I am destined to be.
How can I be thankful for something that has turned my family's life upside down? ALS has realigned us, redefined us and redirected us. Prior to ALS, our priorities were probably fairly typical for families in this nation - career, money, ourselves. After being on this journey for about two years, our priorities have shifted to relationships with God, each other and friends. ALS has caused us to jump off that treadmill of life we were on and move at a much slower pace. We frequently sit down and enjoy a sunset or an uninterrupted conversation. We no longer feel guilty saying "no" to activities and meaningless pursuits that simply filled our time.
ALS has redefined us as a family. We must be filled with faith, courage and hope as we battle this disease. We can no longer feel responsible for all the circumstances we find ourselves in; we see a higher power in action. We must face each day with courage that comes not from our own strength. We stay focused on the hope that there is more to life than this.
My life has been redirected by ALS. I was content to stay at home while Akhil worked perhaps not fully utilizing the gifts I have been given. ALS has caused me to step out in faith to realize a dream. If it weren't for the pressure of ALS, I probably would never have had reason to pursue the dream.
This Thankgiving, I give thanks for the place I am. I see that it is exactly where I am meant to be so I can become the person I am destined to be.