I looked at the calendar and realized that this should be the “Thanksgiving Column.” Looking back I usually write about “counting your blessings.” As I’ve written before, if you look hard enough, I’m sure can find some good things that happened.
Then along came 2020.
I know: plenty of things were cancelled this year. My daughter, Kat, finished at Bridgewater State University. She bought her cap and gown —- then never got to wear it. We still had her graduation party but her brother and brother-in-law weren’t allowed to travel due to Navy restrictions. And her sister-in-law was at sea for more than 200 days-in-a-row because the Navy discontinued port calls.
What else?
What else have we missed:
- School went virtual
- No high school sports
- Movies and Theater closed
- Baseball was delayed
- No fans at any games
- Vacations cancelled
- Concerts cancelled
- No restaurants for months
- etc, etc.
“What blessings do I have to count? We can’t even have our usual Thanksgiving!”
“If you look hard enough”
You know I always say it so here goes: If you look hard enough, I’m sure you can find a blessing.
Speaking strictly for myself I’ve been blessed with spending time with my grandson. Originally I was going to be Liam’s daycare until his first birthday (September 22), but then came COVID-19 and the day care on the Navy base stopped taking new children. So —— after some thought—- we extended my stay until next February. Yes I miss my home, especially my wife Priscilla, but Grammy comes to visit about every month and my daughter and son-in-law have flown me home a few times this past year so my dog doesn’t forget who I am. I’ve had a blast with Liam, watching him grow and discover new things. That’s my big blessing this year.
What about you?
I’m sure there was something good that happened this year. Yes there was plenty of bad news but, just for now, think of something good.
Do you still have a job? Many don’t either through layoffs or businesses being closed. Can you pay your bills? Some people can’t. Are you and your spouse able to keep working and handle all the school changes? Has your church reopened or at least reach out to you through Zoom or YouTube?
You Must Have SOME Blessings To Count!
I count FaceTime as a blessing. I may not be able to hug all the family but at least I can see them. Liam and I FaceTime with Grammy just about every day for lunch.
It’s not always easy to count your blessings. Sometimes we take it for granted or forget our blessings because we’re so focused on what we CAN’T do or what was taken away.
Are you healthy? Many are not. Are you happy? Again, many are not. You can be. Just for this week (or maybe just today), think of a blessing you had this year. You deserve to take a mental health break from 2020 and give thanks for something. What will it be?
Past Thanksgiving posts. The ABC’s of Thankfulness.
The Tables Are Turned November 2015
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