A Spiritual Reflection of Thanksgiving - the year 2025

This year was not easy—my body carried pain, my days were interrupted by hospital rooms, and my spirit was tested in moments of weakness. Yet through it all, You were with me.

Lord, as I look back on the past year, my heart rests in quiet gratitude.

In January, when illness confined me to a hospital bed for eight days and fear tried to take hold, You gave me strength I didn’t know I had.

In February, when complications came and another operation was needed, You guided the hands of doctors and filled me with courage for what lay ahead.

In March, when another procedure was done to check the stent in my bile duct, You granted relief and reminded me that healing often comes step by step.

From April to September, during each visit to the Women’s Health Clinic, You taught me patience. You showed me that even ongoing concerns can be held in Your hands, and that progress—no matter how slow—is still progress blessed by Your grace.

In October, when I fell and fractured my right ankle, You stayed close to me in my fear and pain. You carried me through the operation, reminding me that even when I cannot stand, Your love stands for me.

As November and December came, and my right leg remained in a cast, and I needed a walker and the help of others especially my loving spouse.  You softened my heart to receive the gift of care. You reminded me that dependence is not weakness—it is a holy place where compassion is exchanged.

And so, Lord, I give You thanks.

Not only for the blessings that were easy to see,

but for the blessings hidden inside the hardships:

the people who helped me: my beloved, children , family and friends; 

the strength You renewed in me,

the healing You are still unfolding,

and the quiet moments when I felt Your presence more deeply than ever before.

Thank You for sustaining me through every operation, every setback, every slow step forward.

Thank You for being my refuge, my hope, and my constant companion.

And thank You for the promise that the coming year is held in Your loving hands.

May my life continue to testify that even in trials, Your goodness never fails.

And may gratitude be the song that carries me into the days ahead.

Amen.