Tis the season for a renewed sensed of gratitude for all that the Lord has done for us. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever “(Ps. 136:1). Sitting around that massive holiday table covered with mounds of wonderful food, it was very easy to have a grateful heart. And it was easy to express it.

But a few days later, I found myself hanging around at a medical lab waiting to get some blood work done. I had driven about a half a mile, parked right next to the door and took an elevator upstairs. I found a cozy chair and sat down in a comfortably air-conditioned room. And then I waited. And I waited. And I waited. Soon my grateful heart started grumbling. How dare it take a full hour to get state of the art medical care!

But really, how dare I spend time complaining!

In their latest ministry magazine, a missionary with Ethnos 360 related a contrasting story:

“For many of us. Our nearest doctor is a short car ride away. That is not the case for a people group in the jungles of South America. Earlier this year, 21 people, including missionaries and patients requiring immediate medical attention, climbed aboard a dugout (canoe), bringing with them enough supplies and food for a three or four-day trip.

Ten passengers from another ethnic group were already aboard the dugout, making 31 people total. The three-day trip became five. After hours on the river, nights spent in hammocks at makeshift campsites, hikes though the jungle and a long care ride, the group finally arrived in the city. The patients were then able to visit the hospital and begin the necessary treatments. What a journey!”

So maybe this week you and I can work on our patience and practice expressing some genuine appreciation for the amazing medical care most of us enjoy. Now, I know that medical insurance is expensive, co-pays are a pain, and medicine can cost a pretty penny. But let’s consider that we didn’t have to swing in a hammock for 3 nights to get the care we need. Let’s not take the blessing for granted.

Remember: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Ps. 126:3).