Hearing is so much better than Not hearing

Why is it that as humans we have to be without something before we truly learn to appreciate it? I've been thinking a lot about this as for 3 weeks now I've been without hearing in my right ear and my left ear is simply tired of straining and tired of listening. Why before now did I not say "Thank you God that I can hear?" Have any of you said, Thanks to God that you can hear or see, or smell? Little things yet without them we learn their importance. 

There's been a rooster here that for the first few weeks kept waking me up with his loud obnoxious crowing at 3 or 4 in the morning, but now I realized how much I've missed hearing that. Sitting in church and watching the body of Christ here sing and shout praises to God and to only be able to hear a little of it... oh the things we miss hearing when suddenly the blessing is gone. God could've chosen not to allow any of us to hear birds chirping or the sounds of children laughing, He could've chosen not to let us see the bright sun shining or the smile on the face of someone we love, He could've chosen not to allow us to smell the wonderful smells of cookies baking or sweet flowers or the beautiful smells of a newborn baby. 

God could've chosen Not to... but instead he Chose to. He wants us to hear, to see, to smell, to feel because its through all these senses that we can explore this beautiful world He created for us. What a blessing it is to have an such a complex yet wonderful body God created. 

Today I give thanks for the things I can hear, I can see, I can smell, I can taste and I can feel. I thank God for the amazing Dr. Pena I was able to go see who didn't rush us through even though there were tons of people outside the door. He was caring and compassionate, asked about all my family history and what he could do to truly help make me better. It wasn't the antibiotics and drops that I truly appreciate although they are great, its the honesty of a doctor who cares. When's the last time you went to see your doctor and  you were welcomed as a friend, had a wonderful conversation, and then were shown out of the office without ever having to pay? I was amazed and so thankful for Dr Pena, he is also a pastor here, and he treats his patients with so much respect that the love of God truly shines through him. I will never forget that experience or his kindness. 

What are you thankful for today? Doesn't have to be big, it could be something small like an eardrum that works. :-)