Lessons from my dad

            Later this week my dad will turn 84.  That is an amazing thing.  Some of you are older than 84, and may wonder why I say that. Well, 23 months ago my dad was placed under hospice care and given six months to live.  He had been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma seven months prior to that, and after struggling with reactions to the treatment had told the doctor he was done with it. 

            Dad has many limitations. He can’t walk at all due to a broken foot that will never heal.  He has grown weaker, and needs assistance for many things. But in other ways he is doing well.  I spent time with him earlier this month, and we watched Braves’ games, the first two rounds of the Masters, and “Swamp People” together. I also watched as he slept much of the day.

            I am reminded of a couple of things as I think of what has happened with dad over the last two years. First, as Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, “Man knows not his time.” The doctor was very confident that dad could not live much past Christmas of 2019 without further treatment.  At this time we have some hope that dad could enjoy another Christmas.

My second lesson is this. Be grateful. For every moment and every day that we are able to spend together, for every phone call we enjoy, and for every laugh and every tear, give thanks.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “In everything give thanks.” Notice he did not say, “For everything…” but “in everything.” That means, even in the midst of a pandemic, you can give thanks. When things are going well, and when life is hard, give thanks. God is good. He can be trusted. Give thanks