When Life Hits the Brakes Without Warning
Week after week, I read comments from many of you who are quietly carrying heavy health burdens, your own or someone you love. Sweet Ginger, a faithful reader and frequent commenter, is caring for her husband and facing her own upcoming shoulder surgery. Her words stuck with me, because health issues have a way of slamming on the brakes without asking permission.
It made me think back to a moment when my daughter’s life came to a sudden stop, one she never saw coming.
Most of you know my daughter lived in Alaska for nearly ten years. When she decided to move back home, she left before winter set in. Getting her car from Juneau meant a three-day ferry ride to Washington State. It sounded straightforward, long but manageable.
Until it wasn’t.
When she arrived, she called me and said she didn’t feel right. I encouraged her to go to an after-hours clinic, just to be safe. They were concerned she might be passing a gallstone, and before she knew it, she was admitted to the hospital overnight while they ran tests and made sure she was stable.
None of this was part of the plan.
Her life came to a grinding halt in a matter of hours. And there I was, far away, feeling completely helpless. You know that feeling, the one where you want to fix it, but can’t even get in the car and drive there.
Gratitude Shows Up in the Middle of Fear
That night, fear sat right next to gratitude. They often do.
I was grateful she wasn’t alone, that a friend was with her. I was grateful she didn’t get seriously sick while she was still on the ferry, but instead in a city with excellent medical care. I was grateful the hospital took its time and didn’t rush her out the door.
Health scares have a funny way of sharpening our vision. Things we take for granted every single day suddenly feel precious.
Why We Rarely Think About Our Health Until It’s Shaken
Most of us don’t wake up each morning thankful for working knees or a steady heartbeat. We just get up and move. Until we can’t.
A fall can steal mobility. A diagnosis can shake our peace. A surgery can pause work, independence, and financial stability all at once. Health issues don’t politely ease their way into our schedules. They interrupt, loudly.
November is the month we usually talk a lot about gratitude and thankfulness, but today I want to gently shift the focus.
Not on what’s wrong.
On what’s right.
A Simple Gratitude Exercise That Changes Perspective
Instead of listing complaints, start at the top of your head and slowly move downward. Thank God for what’s working.
Your eyes that see.
Your lungs that breathe without instruction.
Your heart that beats faithfully, day and night.
Your kidneys, veins, and arteries are all quietly doing their jobs without applause.
We forget that our bodies are miracles in motion.
What Scripture Says About Our Bodies
The Bible reminds us that our lives, and our bodies, are gifts.
Psalm 139:13–14 (NIV)
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
We are walking evidence of God’s care and creativity, even on the days we feel worn out.
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Let’s End With A Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for the breath in our lungs and the strength in our bodies, even when we don’t notice it. Forgive us for the days we complain more than we thank You. Help us see our health as a gift, not a guarantee. For those who are hurting, healing, waiting, or caregiving, wrap them in Your peace. Remind us today that life itself is a miracle, and You are near in every moment.
Amen.