But as I have reflected on these things, I have also been challenged in another way. Not only has this ordeal taught me to be thankful for God’s healing; it has also taught me to be more appreciative for good health to begin with. In truth, I have personally been blessed with relatively good health. And my sister’s affliction has reminded me to be more conscious of and grateful for this simple if often overlooked blessing.
John Palmer has posted a rather convicting poem on his blog over at www.soundfaith.com. It is titled Forgive Me When I Whine. I thought I would re-post it here as it seems to capture my thoughts nicely on this day.
Today upon a bus I saw a lovely maiden with golden hair;
I envied her- so beautiful, and how, I wished I were so fair;
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle;
She had one foot and wore a crutch; but as she passed, she wore a smile.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine; I have two feet, the world is mine.
When I stopped to buy some sweets, the lad who served me had such charm;
He seemed to radiate good cheer, his manner was so kind and warm;
I said, “It’s nice to deal with you, such courtesy I seldom find.”
He turned and said, “Oh, thank you sir.” And then I saw that he was blind.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two eyes, the world is mine.
Then when walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue;
He stood and watched the others play; it seemed he knew not what to do;
I stopped a moment; then I said, “Why don’t you join the others, dear?”
He looked ahead without a word, I realized - he could not hear.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine; I have two ears, the world is mine.
With feet to take me where I’d go, with eyes to see the sunsets glow,
With ears to hear what I would know, I am blessed indeed.
The world is mine; Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
POEM SOURCE: https://soundfaith.com/sermons/5591-forgive-me-when-i-whine-poem.