January 23: A pot of Soup - Developing a Heart of Gratitude
A Pot of Soup
Focus: Developing a Heart of Gratitude
Theme: Finding reasons to be thankful in all circumstances
It was the beginning of summer, and I was excited about the holidays ahead. I
looked forward to a well-deserved break from the rigors of work. As I lived
alone, cooking daily was not a priority. However, I remember feeling a strong
impression to cook a pot of soup in the largest pot I had available.
Although I am a soup lover, my largest pot could easily serve fifty people, so
the thought made no sense. Nevertheless, I went ahead and cooked a delicious
pot of pumpkin and thirteen beans soup.
I remembered feeling some discomfort below my rib cage before bed. I tried to
sleep without success. The pain quickly partnered with labored breathing and
became so intense I had to sit up in bed. I was convinced that this required
more than painkillers. Fast forward to a few intensely painful hours later. I
arrived at the hospital to discover I had a partially collapsed lung and a
ruptured ureter – two surprises that brought to light an even more important
matter that needed urgent attention. If I had not gone to the hospital at 2:30
that morning, I would not have been aware of the need to address the more
urgent concern that was camouflaged and secretly declaring war on my body.
Have you ever been thankful for pain? That day I was. I am thankful that
the Lord allowed the pain to be so intense that I ruled out painkillers and
went directly to the hospital instead. Minor surgery was immediate. Major
surgery was scheduled for my follow-up visit. What a God! His
word is true – “Before you call, I will answer, and while you are yet speaking,
I will hear.” (Is. 65:24).
Where does a pot of soup fit into the story? Well, as a part of my
treatment, I was placed on a liquid diet for an extended period, and I was not
allowed to cook for a while. I have wonderful friends who would be willing to
cook me some soup, but why would that be necessary with the gigantic pot God
had already provided for no known reason to me then? I am so thankful for His
loving presence and guidance, and for that pot of soup, He prepared in advance
for me.
Nowadays, when people ask how I am, my default response tends to be “I am
thankful”. I have come to see and believe that God is working all things
together for my good, even when it does not seem to make sense at the moment.
You can trust Him too. Isn’t that reason enough to be thankful?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your loving guidance and provision, even in ways we may not
understand at the moment. Teach us to trust in Your perfect plan and to see
Your hand in all circumstances. Fill our hearts with gratitude for the ways You
work all things together for our good. Help us to always say, “I am thankful,”
knowing You are faithful and ever-present in our lives.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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