2020. Still Thankful.
Use even this sadness to carve out spaces in our souls…
I think the word of this year is challenging. It’s pushed people to their farthest limits and tested us in ways we couldn’t have envisioned a year ago. The terms social distancing and infection rates weren’t even on my vocab’s radar this time last year. Now, they are daily conversations.
I like to think that this business of slowing down will make me more thankful for the insignificant when more elements of normal life come back: going to a play, sharing a cozy meal inside while the snow flies outside of the restaurant, smiling at a stranger. I’m also hoping it reminds me of the beauty of the deeply significant: time with family and friends, small businesses thriving, healthy communities.
I don’t know about you, but this year made me find gratefulness in both the biggest and smallest places…in both what I probably take for granted and the most unexpected places.
For the most fiercely loyal, kind, loving family and friends around. Thankful.
For the lessons 2020 has taught us (even the messy ones). Thankful.
For the people in our life who showed up in ways we couldn’t have dreamed of in the face of our grief. Thankful.
For this little community which brings me laughter and encouragement on a daily basis. Thankful.
For the frontline workers who are bravely serving their patients and working endless hours. Thankful.
For the artists who are doing mini concerts over Zoom, actors performing in driveways, and museums giving virtual tours to bring us a much needed dose of culture. Thankful.
For the scrappy small businesses who have pivoted and pivoted again to bring us inventive eateries, cozy boutiques, and trail blazing services. Thankful.
For technology to connect us even when distance has become our norm. Thankful.
For the opportunity of believing in a hope that one day, everything will be made new. Thankful.
Even with hearts of thankfulness, I’m sure many of you are experiencing being away from people to you love in various forms. I was reading through a book of prayers this morning and found this so comforting to my heart. I hope it touches yours as well…
We acknowledge, O Lord, that it is a right and a good thing to miss deeply those whom we love but with whom we cannot be physically present. Grant us, therefore, courage to love well even in this time of absence.
Use even this sadness to carve out spaces in our souls where still greater repositories of holy affection might be held, unto the end that we might better love, in times of absence and in times of presence alike. We now entrust all to your keeping. May our reunion be joyous, whether in this life or in the life to come.
In celebrating this feast we declare that evil and death, suffering and loss, sorrow and tears will not have the final word.
-Every Moment Holy
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. I’m grateful for each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
Ashley