“A Glad Heart of Praise”

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

We have much to be thankful for as we approach this weekend of family, friends, turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. You know, this might be a good time to take a few minutes for reflection and compose a “Thankful List” and give God all the praise and glory.  

A couple, who have been so encouraging to CGNC, had something happen recently that was so extraordinary one can only give glory and praise to God. Because of COVID, they had not seen their grandchildren in some weeks. Finally, they were able to visit their daughter and family. After a wonderful time with them, as they were preparing to say their good-byes, something amazing happened. But – I think I will just the granddad tell you in his own words!

“Due to Covid circumstances, I hadn’t seen the grandkids for about five weeks, and last Saturday evening decided to pay them a visit. Their youngest child has cerebral palsy, is blind, doesn’t speak, and is unable to walk. At 14-years-old, our grandson whom we greatly love, needs full-time care and support. He had suffered the last few weeks with seizures and at times, his parents weren’t sure if he would pull through. But being the fighter that he is, he did!

His Dad lifted him out of his chair and put him in my lap because he loves to interact with others by pulling your hair, ears, and nose. After half an hour or so he was put back into his own chair and it was time for me to go home again, when out of the blue and in a very clear voice all of us could hear,  he said, “I love you, Opa” for the first time in 14 years!”

God lifts our hearts and causes us to sing His praises. The familiar hymn, Count Your Blessings, reminds us to “Count your many blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!” All glory to Him!