As per today, the COVID-19 pandemic has already affected 213 countries, more than 4.5 million people, and taken more than 303.000 lives.
I read that COVID-19 poses a threat to vulnerable communities that are already coping with high levels of hunger. It is estimates that 135 million people in 55 countries currently face acute hunger – mostly as a result of the pandemic, conflicts, and the effects of climate change and economic crises.
Friends, we may not be able to feed the 5000. But, we can share our bread and fish.
::: ALWAYS BE THANKFUL
People may think I’m struggling with cancer, and I have nothing left but suffering. They are so wrong. In my heart I feel joy, love and contentment. I have everything.
I have a roof over my head, I have a good place to sleep, I have clothes and shoes, I have food on my table, I have a fine family, I have a wonderful and handsome husband, I have friends, I have birds visiting me everyday on my balcony. In good times and bad times, I have strength and hope, I’m beyond blessed.
Lately, I always wake up very early at 4am. It’s still dark and quiet outside. The first thing that comes in to my mind is to thank my Heavenly Father, for giving me another new day.
I pray what Jesus taught me to pray. I sing worship songs until the birds start their concert before sunrise, around 5 am. They sing so loud and lively for an hour. I enjoy them so much.
Being grateful and thankful makes me happy for a whole day. I am aware that this is my moment, it’s a wonderful gift given to me, and it’s valuable.
Being grateful changes my heart. It brings me courage and eliminates fear, it brings me the sense of enough (grace) and not a sense of scarcity, it drives me to share what I have, to share encouragement with you, and to help the needy and the poor.
::: ALWAYS MAINTAIN A GOOD RELATIONSHIP
I am blessed with a good relationship. I think it makes me radiate happiness.
I never feel lonely. I never feel isolated. I am so connected to my husband, Tobias, to my family and to my best friends. I have a very good quality of marriage with lots of affection and love. I can count on Tobias when the going gets tough. I feel secure, loved, and satisfied.
Even though my physical discomfort rises, my mood stays happy. I learned, it’s not fame, not wealth, not great achievement, that we needed to go after to have a good life. But healthy relationships, with our loved ones, with our family, our friends, our community. This is what matters most.
Friends, Life is too short for bickering, heartburning, calling names. There’s only time for loving. Let’s open our heart and senses, let’s replace our isolated time in front of a screen with people time- online and offline let’s revive our old relationships, let’s reach out to that family member who we haven’t spoken to in years, let’s forgive and don’t hold grudges, let’s embody our love for others. When we are grateful, we can enjoy what we have, we can be a gift to humanity. So, remember to always be grateful
Love, Titien
* Published on Titen's blog
About the writer:
My name is Titien Maier. I was 36 years old when I was sentenced with incurable high-grade brainstem cancer in May 2017. I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend, and a believer.
This is the true story about my journey living with cancer.
I transparently share with you my experiences, my sadness and sorrow, my pain and anxiety, and my joy and triumph. A simply human being.
I am happy to share with you what I learned about the meaning of life, who I am, who God is, what matters in life, love, hope, purpose, and many more essential questions in our life. A reflection of life.
I dedicate my stories to you. I hope you will discover something in my stories, that will bring light and hope in your life, that is God is with us.
Enjoy reading!
Love,