Happy Friday

Gratitude is a spiritual practice that is both needed and difficult right now. So, I just want to list some things I’m thankful for in the midst of anxious times. Join me in thinking of what you’re grateful for.

• Fresh air: while we need to stay a safe distance from other people, I’m thankful for opportunities to go outside and breathe.
• The ability to walk: along the same vein, I’m thankful for my two legs and Ruth’s three legs so that we can go on walks together. I know that many do not have the ability or opportunity to walk, and I certainly do not want to take it for granted.
• Signs of love: our church community, in small and big ways, has shown me how to love our neighbors. I’m so thankful that phone calls are being made, emails are being sent, meals are being prepared, letters are being delivered, and all this while people are also safely observing the new standard of keeping a safe distance from one another.
• Nurses: I probably don’t need to elaborate. But, here we go. When I worked as a chaplain in Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, I realized the superhero-status of nurses. If they seemed like superheroes in ‘normal’ times, I can only imagine the heroics and bravery they are showing in the midst of a pandemic. They’re battling both coronavirus and fear, and I’m so grateful for them.
• Other hospital/healthcare folks too!: Doctors, hospital administrators, epidemiologists, janitorial staff, researchers, etc. All these folks are going in to work to serve all who come to them while I have the luxury of doing my job from home.
• Other folks too!: First responders, mail carriers, trash collectors, teachers and school administrators, parents balancing stay-at-home work and stay-at-home children, government leaders at all levels, and so many more.
• Computers and other connective technology: it allows our church to continue its business and worship – however altered.
• Games and puzzles: for when my eyes have looked at screens for too long.
• Art: this is one for which I’m continuing to grow in gratefulness. Cassie’s grandfather was a prolific painter, and we have a collection of his work. I love admiring his work and others’ art. I’m grateful for music that gets me dancing (though, my dancing is far from an art form!).

This is an incomplete list, but not list of gratitude needs to be exhaustive. You can start small.

What are you grateful for? I pray that you do not let fear or anxiety keep you from not only being grateful, but also from recognizing the people, places, and things for which you are grateful. Express that gratitude, both to God and to the people who produce your gratefulness.