• Hello dear readers! Today, as our very first guest poster in the ‘What 5 Christian Teens Have Learned Through Thier Long-Term Illness’ blog series, I’m excited to welcome Eliza Downer, as she shares about a theme that is timely for me personally, and I hope will encourage you. It’s so easy to complain, and no one blames us for doing so when we have a chronic illness… but the secret to joy is thankfulness. So without further ado, let me present you with her article 🙂 :

As Thanksgiving rounds the corner, I grow in thankfulness for my life and the blessings that overflow into every moment of my life. Living with chronic illness, many people  assume that I haven’t much to be thankful for. After all, who can be thankful for chronic pain, a wheelchair and a handful of weekly appointments?

I admit that at times I struggle with thankfulness. There are moments in my life when it seems easier for me to grumble within my suffering instead of rejoicing in the pain. However, as a Christian, I am called to rejoice in my suffering, whether in sickness or health.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

Those of us who struggle with chronic illness can find it difficult to stare past our suffering and into the eyes of Jesus. Yet it is in gazing upon Him, that we find a reason to rejoice.

Though I live with a life-changing illness, and sometimes I weep at my Lord’s feet, I can still find reasons to rejoice in my suffering.

I am thankful for the fact that I must slow down in life due to my wheelchair and slow mobility.

I am thankful for all the little phrases and faces that I would have missed had I been running around.

No matter your circumstance, you still have reasons to rejoice. Every breath we take is a gift from the Lord.

As a family friend, John G. Elliot, once wrote in his song: “As long as You give me breath, I will praise You.”

I know that you may very well be walking through trials: pain, heartbreak, a sorrow, or loss of a job.

However, let us continue to praise and give thanksgiving for the gifts that our Father has provided.

Take some time this week to slow down, take a breath and be thankful!

Eliza Downer, a teacher by day and writer by night, can often be found hiking in nearby mountain ranges or sipping a cup of coffee. She currently resides in Colorado with her parents and 10 siblings. Read her blog at https://windowintomyworldblog.wordpress.com/