“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Gratitude for the events of our past can lead to a future filled with blessings. When we remember where we have been and understand how we have been blessed, we can find inspiration and strength. The great challenges of our lives can shape our future into something special. When we give thanks for the people in our lives and the events of our past, we will find vision and purpose as we move forward.
Katherine Murrell had several health problems as a teenager. She was sixteen years old when she was first diagnosed with cancer. She was put on daily chemotherapy for six months. She battled through exhaustion, illness caused by the treatment, and the effects of the cancer. It was far more than any person should go through, especially someone in their youth. She would beat this cancer, but only for a short time. Sadly, Katherine would be diagnosed with cancer two more times. She would battle through treatments and surgery. Thankfully, she is now healthy and finally cancer-free.
While Katherine was undergoing treatments, she would be in and out of the hospital. She would become intimately acquainted with the medical personnel in her community, including some of the EMTs who were called on to transport her to the hospital when she was at her worst. Now, at age 27, Katherine looks back on many of these moments, and people with tremendous gratitude. She understands just how important they were to her health.
Katherine’s health struggles and her time in an ambulance inspired her to become an EMT. She understood how important the response of the emergency medical team was to her health. Katherine also knows how important it is to give back. Katherine said, “I’ve spent 11 years going to regular hospital appointments. When you get that used to it, you want to give something back.” She spent over a decade fighting cancer. Now, her experience is helping her bring comfort and care to others, many in the same situation.
It is difficult to be thankful for situations like Katherine has experienced, but it is necessary to look for the blessings in these moments. Gratitude is an intentional practice. It allows us to see clearly how much we have been blessed. When we realize how deeply we have been blessed, we better understand how much we have to offer.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
