"What’s the One Thing?"

Dr. Dorothy J. Haire

Recently I read a question that caused me to think long and hard. The question is: “What’s the one thing you are most thankful for this year?” So many thoughts flooded my mind as I thought about 2023 so far. Let me share three things I am thankful for because I could not decide on one:

Millie called to ask if I would be her “plus one” and accompany her on her first cruise – a gift from her daughter. We had a wonderful time. To be able to share this experience with her was so precious to me. I met Millie in seventh grade, and we have been friends ever since. Over the last sixty years, we have laughed together, cried together, and been each other’s greatest supporter and defender. She is one of the only friends I have kept for half a century. Even though we may not see each other for years or talk to each other for months, there is no doubt about our friendship. I thank God for putting people in my life who “Know” me. “See” me. “Love” me

unconditionally.

Over this year my Grandchildren have trusted me with “them.” One shared dark thoughts. One shared relationship issues. One shared parent problems. One shared difficult decisions. One shared a state of loneliness. I don’t always have the answers, but I can listen and pray. I am very thankful to God for their trust in my wisdom as I depend on Him to word my mouth.

“I am thankful for being in my right mind,” as the old folks used to say. I am so thankful because I recently read that “An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2023. Seventy- three percent are age 75 or older” – Alzheimer’s Association. I may walk into a room and forget why I came into it and may have to go back and start over. But I don’t let that bother me because my twenty-year-old grandkids do the same thing. I can plan, problem-solve, and I have a pretty good memory. For this, I am so thankful to God.

I ask you to set aside some time to think about this question also. What’s the one thing you are most thankful for this year?” Can you name just one thing, or will you be like me and not be able to choose between all the wonderful things God has done for you this year – so far? While you are thinking about it allow me to share King David’s Song of Thanksgiving Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.  Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord.

1Corinmthians 16:1-10