Thankfulness

Nov 30

This past week has been rough. It started with some personal challenges, and the rest of the week was just hard: my son battled a 104 fever Tuesday through Thursday and had to be COVID tested, some of my family then had to back out of Thanksgiving dinner, Thursday morning I realized it was time to put my dog of 14 years down, and Friday was a rainy day stuck inside with two kids not wanting to listen to mom or dad.

But… in case you didn’t know, November is National Gratitude Month. And I’m taking it as a personal challenge to focus on what I’m grateful for.

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the foundations of all others.” Marcus Cicero

Wednesday when I took my son to get tested, I had to go to a children’s hospital. It was a drive through service by the main entrance. As I sat in the line, I saw numerous kids in wheelchairs — some with an IV next to them, some very pale and thin, and all with (what I assume) were their parents or family behind them. Their looks were solemn, with a backdrop of Christmas decor outside of the hospital. It was a powerful juxtaposition.

There was a line of nurses going in and out of a tent with full PPE gear and machines going from car to car. After each vehicle, they tore off their outermost layer before going to the next. They were caring, attentive… and tired.

I cried. My heart broke for the families whose kids are fighting for their lives. I felt for the nurses who are going on eight plus months of overtime, and life changing/life saving work. Yes, they signed up to save lives. But to risk theirs? Not quite.
I prayed. I prayed prayers of gratitude for my healthy family, for the gifts I have been given. And I prayed for the families and the hospital staff for living through a season I can’t imagine going through.

I’ve heard that gratitude expressed is joy multiplied. It helps us realize that what matters most can’t be counted. It turns out that our greatest treasures aren’t even visible. (Isn’t that a theme for 2020?)

How much is good health worth? The magic in your child’s eyes when they receive a gift? A belly laugh with good friends? Entitlement can be a terrible disease, but gratitude is the antidote. It’s also a discipline before it is a feeling. During quiet time, I try to start by writing down three things I am grateful for. Some can be everyday things, like “air conditioner to keep me cool” or more drastic like “my son’s COVID test coming back negative.” This book also really helped me have perspective on the gifts in my life.

What are ways you practice gratitude in your life? How do you cherish the gift of the present? As they say, a simple act of kindness always sparks another.