“You are a lot of work,” she said with a glint in her eye. I’ve seen that facial expression hundreds of times over the years. As a result I wasn’t offended when my wife uttered those words.

She’s right. I fell and fractured my patella in Germany on the first day of October and have been rehabbing ever since. Two hospitals. Two surgeries. Foreign city. Missed pilgrimage. Canceled vacation. Disappointment. Frustration. X-rays. PT. Orthopedics. Horrible timing. Slowing down. Waiting patiently.

All of a sudden I’m a lot of work. Wishing it weren’t, but acknowledging that it’s true. I need help doing just about everything. Bathing. Dressing. Cooking. Cleaning. Laundry. Errands. Driving. What a nuisance.

And then in the midst of my pity party, all I can think of are the millions around the globe who are suffering today. Many who are living in squalor and disease. Wartime and rubble. Defenseless and in need of compassion, grace, mercy, and someone – anyone – who will hear their heart cries and offer a helping hand. Life is filled with hard work. Seriously hard work. And my story wanes significantly next to the plight of millions. This month is focused on Thanksgiving here in the US. Amidst the turmoil of our personal circumstances, wouldn’t it be best to begin with gratitude for the gifts and blessings that have come our way?

And then, to look around us and notice the work that needs to be done to help others in need. Perhaps within our own families and friendship circles, and certainly in the wider landscape of our hurting world.

Choose a way to give out of a heart of gratitude. The Salvation Army or a local rescue mission, soup kitchen, or international relief agency. Thankfully, there are plenty to choose from.

The work we exert for another may be the secret to our healing and renewal. One life at a time. A lot of work. Worth it for sure.