I’ll admit, I’m struggling with this.
When this year began, I along with the rest of the world, had no idea what we would be facing. Nearly everything we have known, everything we have routinely done was taken away from so many of us. I have heard the expressions, every cloud has a silver lining and after every storm there is a rainbow. After this storm passes, that is going to be one more heck of a rainbow.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been and continues to be a monster of a storm. In very many ways. We all know what it has done. It has caused people to lose their business. It has caused people to lose jobs. It has destroyed families and friendships.
No one argues over the fact that Covid is real, just over how bad it actually is. They want to compare it to the flu. Conspiracy theories abound and run rampant. They argue over face coverings and whether they are actually any help. States are or have shut down again. People are weary of all this, but it isn’t over.People are dying, and people who survive may have long lasting effects from the virus.
But this is not to argue the case for or against. This is thoughts on being thankful.We have become creative. We have found ways to pass the time constructively with crafts and home improvements. Some have even managed to turn those crafts into a side job.
We have when possible, gotten outside and rediscovered nature. Reminding ourselves and our kids how amazing it can be outdoors.
We have spent more time as family. Whether through online schooling or on our own we are reading more.
Unfortunately, social distancing is not all good. Many are suffering with depression, while others take out frustrations on family members. This isn’t, about that.
It wasn’t just a virus that has made this year weird. We also had an election, that as of yet, is not fully settled. The mess that this has been, the division that has come from it feeds even more of the conspiracy theories and is fodder for those who want to argue.
How then, does one feel and express thankfulness while dealing with all this? By not looking at the big picture. Look at yourself, look at your family and your life.
You may be struggling to find work. You may be struggling to feed your family. But you have your family.
You may be battling with a health issue, but today you woke up and are breathing. There is another day waiting for you. Life isn’t easy, this year has been a monster.
I have faced things I never thought I would have to deal with. But I managed. The easy path, would be to give up. To throw your hands up and surrender. Most of us, aren’t built that way. This nation, wasn’t built that way. Today, I am thankful. In all that has happened, in all this year has tossed at us, I am thankful. Mostly, because my son did test positive for the virus. He did go through the symptoms and battled for a week to get through. Get through he did and he has been back at work. Today, I am thankful that those mega doses of supplements did seem to help me as I have yet to show any signs of the virus. Today, I am thankful, for so many blessings, so many friends and family. I am thankful, that I awoke to see another day.
Words from The Dirt Road 