For Everything He Gives

Happy belated Canada Day from Africa! Today I am reminded how blessed I am to call such an amazing country my home! Every country has its issues, and Canada is no exception. However, there is no question that God has blessed it in many ways. I miss it tremendously when I am away, but I thoroughly enjoy discovering a new culture and its unique beauty. Sometimes amidst poverty and pain, beauty can be concealed. It’s easy to focus on “what’s wrong” instead of what God has given. This week I particularly attempted to steer my focus on the countless gifts He has given. Below I have composed a little poem expressing my thanks to God for some of the special moments that I have enjoyed here. It made me realize how much I have to be thankful for!

 

For the dirty little hand that slipped into mine.

Belonging to a sweet little girl I didn’t even know.

For the man with leprosy, giving glory and praise to our Lord,

Though his body bears the scars, and his sight is no more

For the patient who said “I missed you this morning,”

Just when you were beginning to think they didn’t even care

For the thoughtful messages from family and friends back home,

Who probably didn’t know how much it actually really meant

For that word of encouragement after a long, difficult day,

Spurring me on, just when I thought I couldn’t go on

For the smiles and giggles of all the little boys and girls,

Who really don’t have much, but are happy just the same

For the little preterm baby who was lovingly named after me,

Even though, poor thing, he happened to be a wee little boy

For the amazing privilege to be apart of the miracle of life,

When sometimes I wonder how this could be considered a job

For the encouraging times when Emma and I sat down for tea

And talked about our joys and struggles, and oh so much more

For the incredible hospitality and friendship that Tanis provides

Her door is never closed, in fact, we never actually knock

For the good humor and calmness that Doctor Gayle displays,

Even though we can’t understand her Irish, we love her just the same

For JR, and her abundant medical knowledge she gracefully imparts,

Not to mention her example of what it means to have a servant’s heart

For the chance to get to know someone who for years has been an outcast

Just because his face is disfigured, reveals nothing of who he really is.

For the amazing African sunsets that colors the evening sky,

Reminding us of His faithfulness, the gift of another day

For all those who have prayed for me through this chapter in life,

It wasn’t just a kind gesture; it was the power that brought me through

So for all these incredible blessings, and so many more,

I give YOU the praise and thanks, My Savior and my Lord.