Slow The Pace... Find the Blessing

Thanksgiving 2020 was a unique day for sure.   We aren’t exactly used to staying home for Thanksgiving.  Sometimes we don’t just have a large meal we have two across multiple households.  2020 has thrown us another curveball in that we were quarantined during this time.  Interesting enough the only family that could see us was one person that had recently had COVID and was beyond their quarantine time.  ​

As I reflect on the day I think of other illnesses that people have had, such as a stomach bug or the flu, and how you typically steer clear just a few extra days.  Not with COVID, when the quarantine time is up, it’s up.  Symptoms can linger, but for what we are told now the contagious part is over.  

I could linger on the sadness that we did not get to see the rest of the family or I could be thankful for the one person we could.  I could be bitter about the current rules in place or I could be looking forward to seeing my family as quarantine times lift. Perspective is a choice. 
During this last week the girls and I have discussed things we are thankful for.  We have discussed our most favorite and least favorite years.  For us 2020 was not thought of as the least favorite. In fact, it ranked high for most of us.  It’s amazing what wonderful things that a different pace of life brings. 

Slow the pace… find the blessings.  

We have learned and enjoyed many new things during this slower time.  Collectively, on our list is bike riding, swimming, diving, swimming in a river, painting, a trip to Disney with basically no wait times, opening a new business, learning to shoot a gun, learning to use tools, virtual learning, google meets, and the list could go on and on.  My girls have learned more about working together, helping others, and all have become more independent during this time of quarantine.  

Colossians 3:15 states, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.”

It may seem not very peaceful when the news is on TV or when we scroll the never ending Facebook feed.  We can still feel peace within our four walls.  We can find contentment, joy, and thankfulness.  

2020 has brought an opportunity to have many conversations with my kiddos about loving others even when we hold different opinions and how we can follow rules that are established while not living in fear each and every day.

Therefore since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Hebrews 12:28

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your many blessings this year. Thank you for the slower pace. As this Thanksgiving season is closed out, help us to continue to be thankful! Help me to find joy and contentment in the smallest of things.  Help me to pass along the peace I feel to others with a servant’s heart.  

In Jesus Name, 
​
Amen

Heather Lynch