Hide & Seek: Finding 'hidden' blessings

I was at dialysis recently, sharing with one of the techs about my donor no longer being match.  I'd had another sleepless night and was feeling very sorry for myself (hard to believe, huh?).  I was hoping for some major sympathy, when she surprised me by saying, "you've had a lot of hidden blessings this summer".  It got me to thinking, it's true, my summer has been far more difficult than I would have desired, but in the midst of the difficulty has been an amazing outpouring of God's mercifulness & AWE-mazing blessings.  I just wanted to share them with you and encourage you to look for your own "hidden" blessings.

·        In June when I didn’t get my transplant, it seemed like a crushing blow, but had I gotten it as planned I would have most certainly lost the kidney or lost my life.  I praise God for allowing this apply timed roadblock, which I just thought was an appy with poor timing.

·        I am thankful for the staff that care for me Mon-Wed-Fri at dialysis, but there are a few instances were they especially acted for my benefit.  In the first few weeks of healing after surgery, one nurse recognized the signs of infection and encouraged me to get it checked out.  And on a very big note, when I stopped breathing and checked out, the staff recognized what my needs and supply life-saving actions.  I am so very thankful for these people care for me, put up with me and make the time go by faster.

·        With my body creating antibodies, it is a blessing that I didn’t receive the kidney, previously intended for me.  Had I received the kidney the antibodies would have most likely attacked and demolished the healthy kidney.  I would be back where I am now and the donor would be without a kidney.  So I feel blessed that God saved me from that bitter disappointment and potential health crisis.

·        My friends and family and the outpouring of love and generosity from them and others that don’t know me – what a blessing.  I am humbled by what awesome friends and family I have – fundraisers, notes of encouragement, care packages, prayers and phone calls – I can’t even begin to express how very full my cup is, I am blessed beyond measure!

·        My parents are amazing – they have put up with me on days when even I don’t want to be with me & they continue to show their love in tangible ways.  On the days I didn’t know how to pray – they prayed with me.  When I was too tired to lean on God’s promises, they read them to me and lifted me up.  When I was unable to sleep because of pain or nightmares, they would stay up with me.  I am so richly blessed by their love and friendship

Truly, God is good, He is my sustainer and even in the mist of dark days He provides blessings!