By Brenda Cannon Henley
Most of us reading this column today have just come through a period of time when we have at least thought about being thankful. We probably spent time with family members or friends of our choosing. We likely traveled, shopped, ate way too much, enjoyed some football or other games, visited those we love, and started planning our Christmas Season for 2012. A good many went out to take advantage of the Black Friday sales that began this year on Thanksgiving Day. Some shopped frantically on Cyber Monday to get those Christmas gifts for all those we love.

We may have had a devotion around the dining room table laden with turkey, dressing (or stuffing, for the Yankees in our midst), ham, mashed potatoes, candied yams, green bean casserole, Cole slaw, potato salad, and pumpkin, pecan, and apple pie, and many other things our families enjoy. For those who attend church services, the pastor, priest, or vicar most likely shared verses or thoughts about being grateful, and for a time, we honestly were.

I read a sermon on the Friday following Thanksgiving that called to attention very clearly that we are not to be thankful just on the day we set aside to do so, but in everything that happens to us, all of the time, for every person with whom we come into contact, and in every circumstance. Whoa, Nelly…I have to think about that a bit more. In every single thing? All the time? In every circumstance? When the car won’t start? When the family is sick? When the work is piled on? When I am misunderstood? When someone talks ugly about me? When I have more month than money? When a friend I trusted proves disloyal?

Yep, to all those questions.

If we honestly believe Ephesians 5:20, we must learn to be thankful or grateful in all things. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God, and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The words are pretty clear. “Giving thanks always…” “For all things…”

It is fairly easy to be grateful and thankful when things are going well, but when they take a down turn or a turn for the worse, it becomes a bit more of a challenge. On a personal note, I have had pain in my left shoulder for quite a number of months. I went to the doctor and asked what it might be. Her first premonition proved to be correct. She said she thought I had a badly torn rotator cuff. I didn’t even know at the time that I had a rotator cuff, but I learned I do, and you do, too, if you check on it. Four major tendons control the many actions of your shoulder. Further testing proved that I have a tear in two of those tendons and one is no longer attached at either end. That is a SLAP lesion if I understand the MRI test results. The MRI also discovered a large bone spur that had literally rubbed one tendon into two parts. So, I am scheduled for surgery on December 7, and I humbly request your prayers.

Admitting that I am not very “medical” and that I do not do well in hospital environments, I confess that this is a bit of a challenge in my life, but I am trusting God, and the surgeon who will be repairing the four elements of my shoulder. I am also trusting God to get me (and the rehabilitation person) through the exercises that follow. I have been told that they are severe and often make strong men cry. I don’t do well on the sidelines of life and will find this time hard to deal with for a few weeks.

If I read and understand this verse correctly, it says I should be thanking God for this shoulder injury that has been a long time coming. I should say thank you that the exercises, including swimming morning and evening all summer, getting the shots in the arm, and taking the medicine did not alleviate the problem. I really can’t wait to see what good comes of this, but I am believing that something will.

I have a dear friend on Bolivar, Kathie Poulter, who is having a complicated surgery today, November 27, after several illnesses. If this verse is correct (and I believe it is), Kathie should be thanking God for this time in her life. I do ask that you pray for Kathie and her husband, Fred, as they go through this medical adventure. Warren Adams had knee surgery shortly before Thanksgiving, and he, too, has another round coming up with the other knee and a bum shoulder. I have really been praying for Warren and Pam, who is taking care of him. Cindy Srader has suffered several illnesses and hospitalizations and is still not up to par. Paul Pennington has had health issues and is being cared for by his faithful sister, Laurie Likos. Nathan Hughes has been very ill for some weeks, and his mom, Debbie, has stayed with him faithfully. Miss Ruby Ewing has lost some ground and has ongoing health issues.

Some of you may be saying, “What does this have to do with me?” “Why should I care?” I can tell you that if you are not ill or have an injury just now, the day will likely come when you will. At that time, you will desire folks to be in prayer for you. I think you will like a friend to say, “I care.” “What can I do to help you?”

Let’s remember this challenging verse and learn to give thanks always for all things. It sure makes the journey easier and happier for us and for those around us.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788 or at [email protected].