Happy Thanks-Thinking

As the mother of five-year-old triplets, life was – shall we say – slightly challenging for Cecilia, 37, also pregnant with twins! Her sister, Donna, added “Sis” to our neighborhood Bible study prayer list throughout the duration of Cecilia’s pregnancy. Finally, those precious twins arrived shortly after the holidays, commencing with five kids in all! Each day was demanding, but manageable for this vivacious, former beauty queen and her husband, Chris.

Several months later, Donna shared that her sister felt tired and experienced back pain. That seemed logical, considering the circumstances; growing twins, busy triplets, and Cecilia continuously on the go juggling a career, along with the arduous role of wife, mother, friend, and of course, “Sis.”

But eventually Cecilia’s eyes appeared a yellowish color, along with her skin. By the time the twins approached eight-months-old, tests revealed the startling diagnosis that Cecilia had pancreatic cancer – stage 4.

How could this be? Her life seemed so typical; busy and hectic – as for all of us. How could such a young, outgoing, successful, and beautiful mom have such a malicious and aggressive cancer? It didn’t seem possible.

A serene Thanksgiving, Christmas, and ultimately the twin’s first birthday celebrations took place – culminating in Cecilia’s last. She was gone in less than four months.

It all happened so fast, so unexpected. The year prior, Cecilia never expected that it would be the last time to dress her children in silly Halloween outfits, her last Thanksgiving feast to cook, or the last time to rush through the frenzied Christmas shopping chaos. None of us expect that. In fact, we often get so caught up in the over-scheduled busyness that we instead, grumble and complain about life and all its demands.

We, however, can choose – decide – be determined instead to think positive, to live our lives to the fullest each day – a purposeful life – an extraordinary life. We can even choose to live extraordinary lives – on ordinary (challenging) days.

I want to be thankful (and not just for the turkey, trimmings, family and friends). I want to count my blessings everyday, not just this Thanksgiving. You see, two weeks after Cecilia died, I found out that I too, had cancer - melanoma. It was frightening to think of what might lie ahead. Was my time up, too?

Fortunately, we caught the cancer early and it was surgically removed. We can also “catch” our negative attitudes early. Whenever I get cranky, I try to remember to start counting...start counting my blessings. Whenever I wake up grumpy (no, that’s not a family member), I try to turn my thinking to thankfulness and praise, as quickly as possible. Sometimes our crankiness has become a habit or behavior – that needs to be surgically removed (cut out), too.

We can take the first step – to step out and leave the grumbling and complaining behind. Decide – no more! We can live and EXPECT an extraordinary life – regardless of our circumstances. We’re here for a reason. Discover that reason and live it out passionately!

The world tells us when things don’t add up, such as damaged relationships, financial struggles, or health problems, then we might as well give up. But God tells us that we are his children, and He will either shield us from suffering or give us unfailing strength to get through it. He promises, through His indescribable gift, a joyful and abundant life, and will faithfully meet all our needs.

The holidays can be a time of polarized or conflicting emotions, joyful for some, yet painful for others. Maybe some of us need to consider contacting a family member or friend this year. Invite them over during the holidays, offering compassion and love (with a side of pumpkin pie). Forgive someone if they need it and ask for forgiveness if you need it. Don’t wait.

Remember, it’s not how much we have, but how much we recognize and appreciate what we have. Cecilia lives on in our hearts, but we – having the extraordinary opportunity to live on in this world – can choose to be thankful in our thinking this Thanksgiving – and always.

Happy Thanks-Thinking!