MTC #220 - Noticing

My View Today

It's been a very long week. I missed choir last Sunday, and then missed it again on Thursday due to a lung infection-- which zapped all my energy and definitely zapped all of my lung capacity. The old familiar saying that goes something like "You don't know what you're missing until you don't have it anymore" rang true on several levels. I couldn't go jogging; going up the stairs or moving too quickly caused me to be out of breath; and almost worst of all was not being able to sing. All of those things were replaced with moving around s  l  o  w  l  y, taking lots of breaks, continually catching my breath, and watching my whirlwind family life just swirl around me and not being able to be a part of it. In fact, my wife had one of her busiest weeks, and all I could do is cheer from the sidelines and wish I could do more to lighten the load. 

Yes, it was frustrating. But in all of my "moving slow" moments, I became thankful for a lot of things that before, I had taken for granted. I mean who, really, thanks God for being able to go up stairs without being winded? I sure hadn't until this past week! 

I went to choir this morning and sat in the balcony observing the choir rehearse and perform. It was nice to just listen, but like always, my heart was wanting to be singing. After the broadcast, I moved over to occupy the last row in the loft ready to try and sing as we moved into rehearsing for our Messiah concert this week. I was partially successful and felt encouraged. But I just didn't have a lot of breath during the sustained notes and realized I'd have to just do my best and be OK with my limitations for now. At least I was able to sing some of the notes.

So I guess the take home message is to be grateful for the little things and the things that you may not notice. I'm thankful for breathing. I'm thankful for breathing deeply. I'm thankful for normally having energy. I'm thankful for exercise. I'm thankful to be a very involved dad who loves working hard at home and with family needs. I'm thankful for singing and for being able to sing with the Motab choir. And I'm thankful for all the many, many people out there who struggle with much harder physical challenges each and every day. My week, or two, or even three, is nothing in comparison with those whose struggles don't ever go away. 

What blessing that you're normally not consciously thankful for, can you think of, (and be thankful for) today?

Until next time, God be with you.