This semester started with sickness – my miserable annual cold – and is ending the same way, like symmetrical bookends. In between, one or the other of us have either been laid up or wishing we had the luxury to be.

As soon as I rebounded from my cold, Steve had his carpal tunnel surgery, which rendered him pretty much helpless. Then his truck was totaled, but he, miraculously, limped away. Seafood poisoning struck me next (on our anniversary). I recovered just in time for our biggest highlight – our granddaughters’ visit. Steve and I attributed the exhaustion we both felt after they left to our rapidly advancing age and their bottomless supply of energy. Come to find out, I had the beginnings of a sinus infection. And not to be outdone, Steve became violently ill this week from the norovirus.

Have you had seasons like that? When every little thing seems to go wrong?

I’m more than ready for some good health. Sometimes the cumulative effect of a lot of little problems gets me down more than a big one. String a few annoying adversities together and it feels unrelenting. I like to think I’d buck up better when something major happens.

Whether life rolls along somewhat smoothly, a bunch of little things goes wrong, or something life-altering occurs, my response should be the same. I need to give thanks. Always.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  Phil 4:12

Contentment doesn’t come naturally. It must be learned. Our faith muscle has to be exercised in order to develop. The best way I know to exercise it by being thankful. When I thank God, my attitude changes. My heart fills with His supernatural peace. There’s no other place to find joy except in His presence. True joy isn’t dependent on whether things are going well or going badly.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thess 5:18

I’m grateful my husband survived his accident. That our granddaughters were able to come to visit and we were all healthy that week. That all of our illnesses/injuries have been minor:  antibiotics knocked out my sinus infection and Steve’s surgeon had the wisdom to make the right cuts and give the proper dosage of anesthesia. I’m glad this semester is winding down and a new season is beginning.

Most of all, I’m thankful that my Father filters all of these happenings through His capable hands, lovingly orchestrating every event that touches my life. Every event that touches your life.