The ladies who facilitate the prayer line on Thursdays always open with a cheerful greeting and welcome to another “Thankful Thursday.” Maybe because it’s Thursday, I thought of that hashtag as I typed the header for today’s post. There are probably a lot of folk who awaken this morning not feeling so thankful; and in their minds for good reason. On many fronts, things are tough: layoffs and shortened work hours, first of month expenses looming, the official announcement that schools are done for the year, stay or shelter in place pronouncements, and the continuing climb of the coronavirus statistics. These and many other hardships can leave little room for thanksgiving.
Whether we are among those who have tested positive for the virus or those fighting for survival in ICUs, or those who are on the front lines providing medical treatment and care, or those who are quarantined or self-isolated, or those who are cut off from physical contact with loved ones in hospitals or nursing facilities and unable to monitor their care or advocate for them, or those who are simply trying to make do day to day as the pandemic drags on, we must resist the tug of thanklessness. It is a spirit designed to blur our vision such that we look at our circumstances through a narrow lens. When we do that, we limit what we see.
Today, I think we should embrace the hashtag, “Thankful Thursday” and look intentionally at what we do have to be thankful for. I’ll go first. I am thankful God woke me up this morning; I am thankful I was able to make a 30 minute grocery run masked, gloved and appropriately distanced from the few other shoppers; I am thankful for the quiet time I spent with the Lord earlier in the day and for the peace that devotional time gave me; I am thankful for the virtual visit with my son, and though it was brief, I still saw his face and he mine and I was able to alert staff when he needed help; I am thankful for the daily devotional a sister friend sends me, and which I share with family and friends; I am thankful for the health and strength I enjoy; and I am thankful that God inspires the writing of these posts. Now I could go on and on-it’s something about naming the things for which you are thankful that opens a thanksgiving outpouring.
It’s your turn. If you’re feeling down or dispirited or sad or afraid, take a moment or two to quieten yourself. Close your eyes if you have to and then just start naming the things for which you are grateful, the things the Lord has been gracious in granting you. Even it’s only one or two, it’s better than none. And if you name them and widen that lens through which you view life, over time you’ll find “Thankful” is not just a Thursday hashtag, it’s for every other day too.
Love. Joy. Peace.
Wonderful reminder to always keep a grateful heart, especially in trying times. Love you Auntie!
Love this, we still have so much to be Thankful for. Just look in a mirror and see that you have a roof over your head, food to eat, clothes to wear you get it. I’m so Grateful, Thankful and am a Blessed child of God!!!!!