By Howie Forstrom
As I approach my first Thanksgiving since my Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, I began thinking of what I am thankful for this year. I can’t believe that I can say that I am thankful for my cancer. Thessalonians 5:18 says “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Six months ago, I can say I would have understood the verse. Now I know that back then I know that I had no clue what that verse means.
It is easy to be thankful when you were raised in a Christian home, got a good college education and a master’s degree, good job, married a woman better than you deserved, raised two great kids, and lived the American dream with a house, two cars and a dog (three sequentially). I have been blessed to be able to travel and pursue my hearts desires which have changed over the years.
Looking back, I did give thanks in all those circumstances. I have to admit that it was easy. Prosperity and happiness breed thanksgiving. Sorrow and pain – not so much. How can you be thankful for cancer? It ravages the body. Both the cancer and the treatments are painful to the bone and cause a draining fatigue. It robs the body of strength. Should I be thankful for this?
I can now say that I am thankful for my cancer. God has taught me much. I have learned dependence on God because that is what gets me through every day. I have asked God what the next chapter of my life should be and have begun working with other patients with life altering diagnoses. I have learned to look at the needs of others not just my own. I have learned to cherish the time with Ellen, Katelyn and Gregory whether in person or on the phone. I have learned to stop and listen to what my body tells me. I learned to feel the prayers of those friends who pray regularly for me.
I have a new understanding of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” His plans are prospering me by allowing me to bring hope to others while clinging to the promise of a hope and future with Him. So yes, I am thankful for my cancer because of what God is teaching me and doing through me. I hope that it does not take cancer for you to really understand how to be thankful in all circumstances.
Donna Douglass said:
Really enjoyed this one – linked to it from my blog J. Thank you for sharing!
Donna
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Mary Arnholt said:
I appreciate your words, too. I pray for the wisdom to be truly thankful in all circumstances…and often have to reflect on my day to see what events didn’t get my thanks at the time (struggles with my daughter, potty training messes, more struggles with my daughter…all from His Hand)! Thank you.
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