Thankful, for what is not.
(This post was written in November 2020)
It's the time of year for reflection and gratitude.
Some years the "what are you thankful for" standard question and self evaluation that ensues can be a lot tougher than other years.
Sometimes we may just come up with a blank.
As parents, we can help our kids look for silver linings, and the little things that bless us daily and that have not changed or been taken from us. Write down your thankful thoughts, and make some art, send them or display as a physical reminder, things will be ok.
Perhaps, if this is a tough question this year,
we could look at what we are thankful is not a reality in our lives.
I'm not going to sugar coat this, and please don't misunderstand, I am not making light of the dumpster fire this year has been for many of us. It has been very tough. Grief, sorrow, regret, sadness, and just anger all have a place at the table to get over this year, but this isn't that.
Of course I don't know what your life looks like, or what it used to look like.
Or honestly what it should look like.
If this year has beaten you up, and left you wondering if there is anything to be thankful for at all, join me on a short trip through the world of "I'm thankful it's not..."
Many people have gotten very sick, many have sustained lifelong injuries and conditions,
many of our precious loved ones have died from all sorts of malady's this year.
Many stayed healthy, many recovered, many have memories of loved ones that touched their lives immeasurably before leaving too soon.
Be thankful you have not been defeated
I know because you are reading this now, you have survived this year.
Incredible numbers of people have:
lost income, decreased income, are struggling to make ends meet, and personal debt on the rise.
Be thankful you are not going to starve.
Help is out there from strangers, the government, family, friends and businesses looking to help you make it. Look, ask, and be open to help that is available!
Be thankful you are not limited to one type of income!
You are reading this so you have a device to do some research (and free computers at the library if yours is open!). Change your career, sell some things, get a part time gig, reach out to your network and set out on a new path.
Be thankful you are not alone.
Everything is canceled, our schedules (professional and social) have been involuntarily pitched out with last weeks cat litter. It's not fair, and frankly it sucks.
Zoom, Marco Polo, social media, text, snail mail, video chat... there are a lot of options that do not even come close to the real thing. Meeting in parking lots, from a distance, waving and "touching" through windows, can sting more than soothe.
I would bet that every single person (at least in the US if not the world) has had a year that is different from their norm. My stupid struggle through this muck pile, is different from yours, but we both had to adjust at the very least.
Knowing glances from strangers will reassure you, if you are watching, "I see you." "This sucks." "Me too, hang in there."
For me, my faith has been a stronghold during this time. The presence of the Lord in my daily life gives me much relief during dismal moments. He's got this, and He always has and He always will. I am thankful there is not hopelessness in my life.
Write down your thoughts, make a video blog, make a photo journal of your struggles. It can be cathartic, but also you can use that as perspective as this world fades into our memories. Teach future generations how to get through this and thus other struggles we come upon in our lives.
Be thankful you are not helpless.
Grab your kids, give them a hug, make some fun. Take what you have an rejoice in the abundance that you have around you, even if it is "only" a walk to find leaves and rocks.
Make a difference today, reach out, connect, be the hope and the help we all need, to find
that there is much to be thankful for.
~Jeanette
