Giving Thanks in 2020?

This year (2020!), despite all the negativity and disagreement in politics, I’ve seen some great things:

• Weddings

• New babies

• First days of school

I have been in touch with so many people I would have never been able to otherwise. I get to chat with so many that I grew up with (Highlands -Westlake shout out). I get to interact with the many people of my church, not just on Sundays. Technology is amazing!

If this year has taught me anything, it’s that there is always a positive.

Now I know for some of you reading this, 2020 has been horrendous. Covid has changed who you’ll be with this holiday season (maybe that’s a good thing?!?) Thanksgiving and Christmas 2020 will certainly be different.

Loss of family members comes immediately to mind. My heart breaks for you especially as we go into the holidays. In fact, many of you I am praying for and I hope you feel that. Loss of parents, spouses and children - heart wrenching. I pray you can think of those you lost and remember all the great memories you’ve shared along the way. I also pray you reach out to others, especially in those tougher moments. So many would love to help in any way they can.

As I conclude this short scattered blog , I guess my real point is to press on. Don’t allow the negativity to overcome the hidden positives. Perpective and gratitude daily keep us in check. Wake up every morning thinking first of all you have (family, friends, shelter, food, a job, etc.) Don’t allow reminders of what you don’t have start the day.

For those of you with faith, start daily thanking Him for sending His Son to die on a cross for you and me. We did nothing to deserve it but we reap the benefits. Our time here on earth is significant but it’s short. One day we’ll be in heaven wondering why we allowed all this negativity to control our minds and not Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. All circumstances.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!