God not only gives us the gift of faith and repentance, He also gives us the gift of having a grateful heart. Without deliberation, thankfulness became a natural condition for me. When I was extremely fatigued and we found a parking space close to the hotel or hospital, I said “thank you for this, Lord.” When we had to park far out, I said “thank you for helping me to get the exercise I need to build up my stamina.” I was grateful when we did not have to wait long for a blood draw, or to be called for the chemo infusion to begin. I was grateful when we had to wait for what seemed to be a very long time, because I needed to learn the virtue of patience, and because I believed God was answering my prayer that others in greater need would be called ahead of me. When I was able to get on the clinical trial drug, I would not say I have to go to University of Michigan Cancer Center for tests (an 5 hour trip if I drive, or a 12-hour train trip), but rather, I get to go to UMCC for tests. A sense of gratitude for how God is working out all things for the good is infectious and can alter your attitude in a powerfully positive way.
