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| "Fear not, I am with thee, o be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give thee aid." source |
This week, I received news that a friend has an advanced-stage cancer. She has requested that her friends send her inspirational thoughts and images to help her during this difficult time, so for this week's Ten Things of Thankful, I thought I would express thanks for those things that I have found helpful when I am going through hard times. Hopefully, something in my list will resonate with her, too.
1. I'm thankful for music. It has the power to soothe souls, bring peace, and spark motivation. As you read through this post, feel free to listen to this collection:
2. I'm thankful for faith. My friend and I happen to both be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but regardless of your religion, faith in God can bring strength beyond what is humanly possible otherwise. The power of prayer is real.
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| A photo of clouds over the ocean, with the caption, "If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing." source |
3. I'm thankful for humor. Laughing relieves stress, but doesn't leave your eyes sore, like crying does. (I know some people find crying cathartic, but I'm generally not one of them.) Here's a clip of a comedian at Dry Bar Comedy, pre-COVID:
4. I'm thankful for friends. Friends are there for you, in good times and bad, to listen and cheer you on.
5. I'm thankful for family. What I said about friends counts at least double for family.
6. I'm thankful for nature. Whether the sky is blue and cloudless, or winds howl and rain falls (within reason, of course--I'm not talking about putting myself in danger), being able to look outside at the majesty and beauty of nature lifts my spirits.
7. I'm thankful for service. I've been on both sides of it. Most of the time, it is easier to give than receive, but receiving is also an act of service, because you provide an opportunity for someone else to help. There should be no guilt in accepting help when it is needed. (And don't get into a debate about the definition of needed! If help would help, say yes to the offer!) 😊
8. I'm thankful for distractions. I can get lost in a book. Some people find the same thing with games, crafts, or videos. Sometimes trials can seem all-consuming; having a distraction can help give your mind a break.
9. Similarly, I'm thankful for naps. Rest works wonders, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
10. I'm thankful for others who have gone through similar situations and can offer hope and encouragement. Of course, everyone is unique, and no one should assume to "know exactly how you feel," but sometimes I want to hear from someone who has gone through something like I am going through. (There's a reason parenting books sell!) I'm thankful for the valuable resources someone who has been there, done that can provide.
I'm sure there are many more. What have you found you are most thankful for when you are sick, worried, or stressed? Let's lift each other up!
Joining the blog hop this week:
These are truly awesome gratefuls! I am grateful for my faith too, weak as it may be.
ReplyDeleteThank you! No matter how weak faith might be, it is always a blessing.
DeleteMy heart goes out to your friend. This is a lovely list, i hope it helps remind her of things that will bring her comfort at this time.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hope she finds comfort, too.
DeletePraying for your friend. I'm confident that this list will help.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThis is a perfect list for anyone grieving in any way. Accepting help is probably the hardest item on the list to fulfill, because (right or wrong) inside, it can make you feel defeated. I hope your friend feels all the love surrounding her. I wanted people to make me laugh, so I hope she is able to find humor comforting, as well. Prayers for her. PS love the song - Methodists sing that hymn as well, although not nearly as well :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. I know everyone is different, but those are the things I have found helpful.
DeleteFunny story on the hymn--the last time the hymnbook was revised, Come Thou Fount was left out, and no one seemed to miss it. Then Mack Wilberg (Tabernacle Choir director) came out with a rendition, the choir sang it, and everyone noticed it was missing from the hymnbook. The hymnbook is currently under revision again, and Come Thou Fount is one of the most requested hymns to put in the new book. I'm looking forward to the publication of the new hymnal. I think lots of people will be looking for Come Thou Fount.
Very good (and true) list... surely it is the context that we accept that offers a path through the most trying of time.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThis is a beautiful list, Kristi. I love the Tabernacle Choir app! I listened to it for quite a while on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteDid you know you can ask Alexa to play music from the Tabernacle Choir?
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