Thankful For Cancer and Loneliness

I think I like Thanksgiving more than Christmas.  Thanksgiving has less preparation, less stress and offers a chance to slow down and enjoy God’s blessings.  This year I will move slower in the kitchen, the meal will be simple, but God’s goodness and his Grace will be my focus, rather than celebration.  Mark and I, along with my dog Keena and three cats, will be home this year grilling steaks while our kids are at my father’s house.  I just couldn’t muster the energy to host a house full of guests this year.  So, my husband and I are spending Thanksgiving alone.  But being alone is something I experience quite a bit in my cancer journey this year. Even loneliness can be something we give thanks to God for.    

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the cure for loneliness. We, as believers in Jesus Christ, are never alone.  Jesus, the Son of God, “emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). We learn from the Psalmist about what to do when we’re lonely. He turned to God for help,“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted” (Psalm 25:16). Then we wait for God to fulfill our loneliness; “God makes a home for the lonely” (Psalm 68:6).

I have so much to be thankful for this year.  I have even found it in my heart to thank God for my cancer and the many hours I spend alone with my Savior.  1 Thess. 5:18 tells us to “give thanks to the Lord” in all circumstances.  This is a lesson the Lord has been teaching me in great abundance this year.  I know the source of my gratitude comes from God the Father, who did not spare His only son but gave Him up to die on a cross for my salvation.   It is no surprise the scriptures link God’s goodness with our gratitude.  “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is GOOD” (Ps. 107:1) Ingratitude is not just poor manners but for the Christian, ingratitude towards God is a sin against the One who saved us from our sin. 

I have much to be thankful for this year.  While cancer is no picnic, I am grateful God has been by my side through it all.   I will thank God for my cancer and the many hours spent alone with Him.  I am grateful for the people God has placed into my life through my cancer journey.  Seeing others suffer over the years as a nurse and now to suffer myself, has taught me how to have a joyful heart during trials and to allow the Holy Spirit to fill my heart with His faith, hope and love. I am thankful my Lord and Savior has overcome the world (John 16:33).  

This year, I will not be celebrating Thanksgiving with turkey, a crowded dining room or football on the television.  I will be spending some time alone, in prayer, giving thanks to God for life and all its precious blessings.  Happy Thanksgiving.  No matter how you choose to celebrate, may you remember to give thanks to God for your salvation and everything you have (the good and the bad).  If you are celebrating a lone this year, know that as a child of God, you are never alone.