* Opportunity

“Turn your pain into opportunity.” – Elana Koening, Childhood Cancer Survivor

Have you ever looked at the adverse things that happen in your life and seen them as an opportunity? Elana Koening has and continues to do so. She was only 11 years old when she finished her last chemotherapy treatment and started the Koening Childhood Cancer Foundation with money from her piggy bank. Now 16 years old, she continues to raise money through the nonprofit foundation she created. The funds go to help children who are fighting childhood cancer. Elana knows how hard it is to fight cancer as a kid and she wants to help other kids and their families navigate the difficult circumstances they face. She turned her pain into an opportunity to help others.

What pain have you faced this past year? Are you thankful that you’ve survived it thus far?  Are you able to share it with others going through the same thing? British minister and Bible commentator Matthew Henry (1662-1917) said that “Thanksgiving is good but Thanksliving is better.”  That quote resonates with me this year in so many ways. I am indeed thankful for all the things my family and I have been through this year and survived.  A difficult surgery and heart attack for me and the premature birth of a precious granddaughter. We are blessed that God has answered so many prayers on our behalf. It’s a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.

But how am I Thanksliving and using the gift of time I have been given? I take every opportunity that comes my way to tell others, especially women, not to ignore the little things in life when it comes to their health. I also encourage people to accept the gift of each new day and enjoy it with family and friends. Turning pain into an opportunity to help someone else is the best healing of all.

Blessings, Cindy J