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.
Thank you for the reminder NOT to take my body and all its parts for granted and to thank the Lord for everything. I thought I had gratitude down, realizing my gifts are greater than family, friends and marriage.
I love this. Thank you!
Wonderful message today, Tania, and how true. I especially loved your closing prayer. I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in August 2024. All of my life up until then I was healthy. I joked with my friends that I knew more about veterinary medicine than human. One day it suddenly changed. I am so blessed and grateful for the medical professionals who have cared for me. Above all, to God goes the glory!
Beautiful message, beautiful prayer. Prayers for your subscribers going thru difficult times. 🛐
Thank you !
The Frank and Eileen look a likes was an eye opener. I have 4 or 5 of them and will try the others.
I actually took the time to read your post today. My apologies, I usually take a break on the weekends. However, for some reason, God prompted me to read it. As my mother is currently hospitalized, I realized, He wanted me to stop and reflect on gratitude. Something we so often forget. Thank you!
Lisa, I LOVE it when the Lord speaks to us and prompts us to pay attention to something. I hope your mother get better soon.
As usual, you made me stop and think back to some of my surprises in life. We all have them but seem to navigate them in different ways. Thanks for your wisdom!
😊I’m a hospice worker, daily I see families and patients – I use my faith to get through each day. God gives us hope on days that seem hopeless, and strength when we feel like we can’t go on.
Bless you for doing this difficult job. I know you make a big difference to the families.
I dare say that our brains are something that we never think about or stop to consider how important they are. Only God could create something so intricate that literally creates our every thought and directs our every move. Last April I lost my precious Mama to Alzheimer’s, but that journey took years. My brother and I, along with some precious caregivers, took care of her and could only watch helplessly as that horrible disease stole her from us. It truly is “ the long goodbye “. So if you have a brain that works, thank God for that miraculous creation.
I agree, Carla. My great Aunt went through this and it was like your life was written on a blackboard, and Alzheimers was the eraser. It starts at the end, and starts going back through your life erasing a lifetime of memories. It is so horrible to watch.
🙂 Thank you for your Sunday posts.