I was sick recently, that kind of indescribable malaise that can only be summed up with the words, “I hurt everywhere.”

That part only lasted for a day but the dry, persistent cough, the runny nose and lack of energy I am still working through as of this writing.

I don’t get sick very often so when I do, I seem to make up for not getting sick all at once.

There is nothing like missing something like your health to make you grateful for having good health. I don’t think I take good health for granted, but most of the time it is not something I specifically think about.

I sure do when I am experiencing illness!

There is nothing like spending a little time flat on your back and unable to participate in your normal activities to get you to think a little more about what you are thankful for and who we are thankful to.

The psalmist in Psalm 106 and verse 1 says:

Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

If anything positive can be said for the occasional illness, setback or disappointment, it may be that it could draw our attention to the One who gives us breath and life and all good things we enjoy.

Hopefully, we can be thankful more often than our occasional misfortunes. This Thanksgiving, which we will celebrate in a little less than a week from this publish date, can give us a great opportunity to reflect upon the great joys and blessings we daily enjoy and give thanks to the One who gives us so much to enjoy.

In the words of the Doxology:

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!”

Rev. Stephen S. Brown pastors at Kenai New Life Assembly of God, 209 Princess Street in Kenai.