Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3: 16-17 NIV)

One of the things I did in my previous life was teach.  Not traditional teaching, but I saw my counseling profession as teaching.  It was so hard to give up the job I loved.  I worked in the school system, and had my own classroom for seeing students.

I’ve not much of a “classroom” left – but I do believe I still teach by my reactions.  My students?  My family and folks in the doctors’ offices.  I can be a witness just by smiling from my wheelchair.  I belong to an online chatroom and we are doing a book study.  I can still participate! 

I am thankful.

Sing songs?  Well, if singing along with my CD’s counts, I can still do that too!  Music plays such an important role for me anymore.  I have a list of “uplifting songs” that I play.  Now I realize that doing so pleases not only me, but God.  

I am thankful

Even the little things I do count, if they are done for God. 

I am thankful.

The things I am thankful for now range from the very, very large – we were blessed with a long remission from cancer in our family before it's return, to the very small – the sun was shining today and it's not terribly cold.  

I am thankful.

 I am VERY thankful for computers – they connect me to the world now. 

I CAN do things.  I change from feeling useless to useful.  I can change from feeling purposeless to purposeful.  God CAN use me.  Suddenly, the day seems better. 

 I am thankful.

Father God, Thank you for your word – your encouraging word.  May it dwell richly in each one of us.  Amen.