Giving thanks for mental illness...REALLY?

I've been keeping a gratitude journal this year.  God has been giving me eyes to see more clearly how rich and abundant his gifts in my life really are.  They are everywhere.  And as I intentionally thank him for them, joy springs in my heart.  I have a fresh awareness each day of how good my Father really is to me.  

Among the MANY awesome gifts that I am busy recording each day, there are a few gifts in particular that take faith for me to thank God for.  It's easy to thank God for fun moments with my children, beauty in my backyard, and dates with my hubby.  These are certainly gifts of grace from my generous and loving heavenly Father. 

But there are other things-the hard moments in this battle with bipolar disorder-that appear at first (to my earthly eyes) not be gifts at all.  Until I recall (again and again) this promise.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

ALL THINGS are working for my good. That means the hard, difficult to navigate nuisances of a life with mental illness.  My Father is totally in control of the easy and the difficult gifts he dispenses to me.  And he knows what my heart needs most...the 'no' to a pleasing or easy gift is the 'yes' to a greater gift...he's using the difficult gift of mental illness to give me the things my heart needs most.  So really, the hardest gifts are often the most loving.  

And honestly, the more I recall this promise and the more I purposefully pronounce my thanks for this gift, I find a deep joy, apart from circumstances...and isn't that a gift in itself?

Lord, thank you for this promise that you are using all things-especially mental illness- for our good.  Thank you,  by faith, for the hard moments mental illness brings into our lives and the good it is accomplishing.  Thank you that you are all wise and all knowing and that your heart is good.  You are to be trusted. You are accomplishing deep and eternal heart transformation in us, giving us the ability to long for and enjoy you more.  Give us grace to trust your heart and your promises more and more.