In Everything Give Thanks

“No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT).

We watched a documentary last night about two brothers who suffered from retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disorder which gradually leads to blindness. The twins inherited the disorder from their mother who went blind at the age of forty. Both were candidates for a new surgical procedure to restore their sight. One brother’s sight improved. The other brother’s sight did not. Both said that they wanted the other one to have sight if only one could have a successful treatment. It was bittersweet for the sightless brother. The blind brother rejoiced with his sighted brother, but the disappointment of unfulfilled dreams of seeing again produced a curious mixture of joy mingled with sorrow.

I cried as I watched the program. Not long ago, I was lifting some heavy tiles into the trunk of our car when I tore the retina in my right eye. I felt the pressure, but no pain to speak of. Immediately I began to see massive “floaters”… those squiggly looking curly things that float in the vitreous humor of the eye. I had seen floaters for years, but this time was different. I didn’t think much about it for a couple of weeks. Then on a Friday afternoon about 3:00 p.m., the Lord prompted me to call Dr. Bridges, my optometrist. It’s almost impossible to connect with her on the phone, but this time she was available. I explained my situation, and she related to me that someone had just canceled an appointment and told me to come to the office right away.

She took a long time to examine my eye. I knew that was not a good sign. She said she had some bad news. My retina had been badly damaged and was on the verge of detaching. My heart jumped into my throat. Blindness is what happens to other people, not me.

If I was ever skeptical that God cared about every detail of my life, it was forever dispelled by what happened next. Dr. Bridges said that Dr. Bonfield, the retinal specialist, had left for the day, but she would check to see for sure. In just a few minutes, she returned with Dr. Bonfield who was in the parking lot preparing to leave. When Dr. Bonfield examined my eye, he was amazed. He had never seen a retinal tear like mine. He said that I was extremely lucky. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in the sovereignty of God.

He treated the tear with laser surgery right then and there. According to him, if I had not caught him that day, the retina would have detached over the weekend. I don’t even want to go there. Today, I still have some floaters due to the spilling out of blood and pigmentation behind the retina when it tore. Other than that, I can see fine. As a matter of fact, after lasik and cataract surgery, I now have 20/15 vision. Praise the Lord!

Do you realize all the circumstances that God had to orchestrate in order to preserve my sight? I am so thankful. As I sat there and watched the documentary, I couldn’t help sympathizing with the sightless brother. That could well have been me. Why did God spare me from blindness and not him? I was overwhelmed with both gratitude and guilt. I take so much for granted. I can see to write this story. I can see my Bride’s beautiful face, the brilliant hues of a summer sunset, the facial expressions of people I meet, the break in a 10 foot putt, and the list goes on and on.

The Thessalonians were suffering intense persecution. Paul told them that no matter what happened, they must always be thankful for all things because whatever happened was in God’s will and plan for them. I have found that it is easier to give thanks when the results fall in my favor. Would I have been just as thankful had I lost sight in my right eye? Would I have praised Him that I still had one good eye? It all depends upon how much I depend upon His grace. His grace is more than sufficient, but I have to choose whether or not I’ll draw upon it. God gives me grace when I thank Him… no matter what happens.

Tearing my retina was a scary thing, but what a boost for my attitude of gratitude. I thank God all the time now. I ask Him for grace to never take Him, or any of His blessings for granted again. He never tires of hearing us say, “Thank You, Lord, for…” Now may be a good time to count your blessings and to give thanks.

“Heavenly Father, I’m filled up right now with mixed emotions. I am so blessed. How You must tire of hearing all my gripes and complaints. Lord, forgive me. I am so ungrateful. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians with the hope of Your return when You will make all things right. No matter what happens to me this day, one day You will straighten everything out. In the meantime, I want to thank You for all the things You have given me to enjoy. Give me grace now to constantly abide in an attitude of gratitude come what may. You always know what’s best for me. Therefore, I leave the choice up to You as to the course of my life. I’ll just be thankful for whatever You decide. Okay with You? Amen.”