I Thessalonians 5:18 is a go-to verse in the Bible to challenge us to be thankful. The verse simply says, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." Usually this time of year, people make lists or do some kind of Thanksgiving count down on Facebook. It is always good to be thankful but this Thanksgiving it takes on a special meaning after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
My usual schedule has been horribly disrupted. Our church has a large Thanksgiving celebration that I usually host. Our children all make Thanksgiving the holiday where they all come home. As you can guess that has all been canceled for us. The Bible clearly helps us see that in the midst of disappointment, we can still be thankful because it is all a part of God's plan.
Here are five things that I am thankful for on Wednesday, November 25th, 2020.
I am thankful that my symptoms have been mild. I have seen and heard of how this virus takes a different path for each individual. I have had friends who have lost their lives from this monster. Others are presently in the hospital on ventilators. Some people have struggled to get back to normal activities again and have lost their taste and smell.
This has not been my story. I have been asymptomatic for the most part. I did lose my sense of smell for a couple of days with a stuffy nose. What a blessing! I do not take this lightly. Knowing what others are experiencing, while not suffering has humbled me. It has caused me to pray. People with Covid-19 are on my mind continuously and I pray for them daily.
I am thankful that my family's symptoms have been mild. My wife and two of my three daughters have also contracted Covid. For the most part, we have had mild symptoms and short bouts with this virus. We are all on the mend and will be able to start regular life again by week's end. Health should not be taken for granted. If you have your health, you should regularly thank God for this blessing. Sometimes we forget to do that.
I am thankful for all my friends and family members that have reached out. I have been encouraged by all the emails and texts that I have received. Many people have expressed that they are praying for us and have offered words of encouragement. I am once again reminded that the best life a person can lived is one with friends and family. Our church is an amazing place. It is not a "one hour experience" with all the smoke and whistles but rather a community of people who mutually care for and share with one another. I would not trade these relationships for anything.
I am thankful for all the expressions of kindness and support. We have had people drop by gift cards, homemade chicken noodle soup, fresh bakery bread, cold crisp grapes, encouraging cards, fruit baskets, specialty coffee, and Village Inn peach pie. This has made us feel special and favored. I am blown away by the love and support that our friends and family have shown to us. It is sometimes the simple things that we fail to give thanks for. Acts of kindness do not go unnoticed. This is a week where a lot of kindness will be shown. Do not forget to give thanks.
I am thankful I did not have to quarantine alone. One of the silver linings of this quarantine for me is that I have gone through it with my family. I am grateful that we have been able to be together and in the same rooms. We have taken full advantage of the opportunity. Game nights have become a nightly ritual. Playing a different game each night has fanned the flame of competition amongst the three of us. Watching tv, movies, and even documentaries have proved to knit us together. Special foods, coffee, and treats have created conversations about what sounds good next. Life is not meant to be lived alone. I am thankful that I live in a home where there is a lot of love and relationship.
Yes, I have a lot to be thankful for even with Covid-19.
