How to Find Something to be Thankful for While Battling Chronic Pain

Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Here we are at another Thanksgiving. Preparations are being made for a family dinner with all the trimmings – turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, salads and desserts. But for the one battling chronic pain preparing a meal and having guests arrive at your home, can push you over the top.
 
It’s hard to clean that turkey and lift it into the oven. You cringe as your back fills with searing pain. And, just the thought of having a lot to do, can put you over the top.
 
This year, you want to have a joy-filled, thankful day. But you’re having trouble finding something to be thankful for this year.
 
Your family knows that we aren’t well, but they want you to at least act like you’re happy to see your guests.
 
So, you push yourself and push yourself until the meal is done. Now it’s time to put out the food and sit down to eat it. From somewhere comes an internal cry from the amount of pain you are in. Would your family understand if you tell them you’re not well?
 
I think it depends on how to balance showing your love and wanting to retreat to your bed that’s calling your name. How did you get to this point? Why did you volunteer to make the meal this year?
 
It’s because you want to find a way to be thankful and show it. How can this pain you feel make you more thankful? I think it all boils down to perception. Even if you want to run away to your bedroom and lock the door, so you won’t be disturbed.
 
Let’s find something to be thankful for in the midst of your pain:
 

1. Be thankful that all your family is with you, not like other families who have lost a family member this year.

 

1. Be thankful that there is an abundance of food to eat, instead of many families who are struggling to feed their children this year.

 

1. Be thankful that you can visit with family and maybe even laugh a little.

 

1. Be thankful that that meal turned out well.

 

1. Be thankful that your family appreciates what you’ve prepared and offer to do the clean-up so you can sit in your recliner and get off your feet.

 

1. And yes, you can even be thankful for your chronic pain, because it helps you to be thankful for one more day on this earth that you can try to find a way to encourage others no matter what they’re struggling with.

 
Migrainemantras.com posts in their article some additional things to be thankful for when you have a chronic illness, “8 Reasons I’m Thankful I Have a Chronic Illness,” such as knowing your body causes you to be more focused on what your body is experiencing. In addition, learning how to set boundaries and learning to say, “No” sometimes causes you to have a more balanced life.
 
In closing, look at the Bible verse above. It admonishes us to not be anxious, which would include chronic pain and, in every situation, not just some situations, pray and give thanks to God when you’re asking for him to help you get through one more day. It won’t be easy but learning to be thankful can be just what you need to live your life despite chronic pain.

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