Understanding

I went through three sessions of hyperbaric therapy without incident.  The doctor said the effect won’t be seen for at least another three weeks.  I also pointed out something I had suspected to be an under-skin abscess next to the wound site. The doctor confirmed my suspicion and made an incision to clean it up as I expected.  It has been there for weeks and I finally did the right thing because I knew it would only get worse.  The wound therefore hurts more than before particularly when the abscess is being packed.  (Pain is actually a good sign because it means the surrounding tissue is not dead.) Side-effects from the chemo are tolerable most of the time.  My blood counts are OK except the platelets, which are  a little low.

Why be thankful?

There are many reasons and three of them are given below.

1. Give credit where credit is due.  James 1:17 (NIV) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 2 Pe. 1:3 (NIV) His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

2. The ability to recognize His gifts and grace and give thanks enables us to have the right relationship with God. 1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.  God takes the initiative to love us and seek us out; we won’t respond to God’s love with love unless we recognize and treasure His love.

3. The ability to recognize His gifts and grace and give thanks enables us to have the right relationship with others. 1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. If we see how much God loves each and every one of us, it will be easier for us to love one another.

Wish you a happy Thanksgiving and may this find you and your loved ones in good spirit and health.