Are you weary of the negativity, the fear, the accusations, the conspiracy theories, the profiteering? While the fight rages on and we lose family members and friends to COVID-19, our focus drags us down, down, down to defeat. Have you thought of being thankful?
I am thankful that Danielle, a family member, has conquered the virus and is back home with her family, all in the span of a week from home to ICU and back. Thank God!
I am thankful that no other family members are ill.
I am thankful that the number of those who have recovered from this virus is growing day by day!
I am thankful for Memorial Hospital’s wonder women of 7North, still on the front lines screening all who enter there.
I am thankful for all those in healthcare just now, from physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists to clinical laboratory scientists, environmental service team members, and patient access folks.
I am thankful for law enforcement officers, store checkout staff, gas station operators.
I am thankful for my phlebotomist who served me with a painless blood draw through my car window outside my physician’s office. She did it will a happy mix of sass and service! (Thank you, Dr. Moody and crew!)
I thank my God every time I remember you. -Philippians 1:3 NIV.
I am thankful for the team members at Lowe’s who keep a stash of wiped down shopping carts close to the entrance and package orders in advance for curbside pickup.
I am thankful for the growing numbers who are following our Do Your Part. Stay Apart. program.
I am thankful for the companies in our area who are finding ways to re-purpose team members rather than letting them go.
I am thankful for companies who have melded creativity and spirit to find new and safe ways to serve their customers.
I am thankful for the strength and peace my Heavenly Father gives to all who ask, especially powering up those who struggle with isolation.
As we come to the close of another week, I challenge you to join me in being thankful for so many things around us. And then, take it one step further and express that thanks to someone every day. It could be a quick text or email to your pastor, a heartfelt thank you to the pickup person at Walmart, appreciation expressed to the pharmacy assistant who fills your prescription. Yes, these are trying times. But regardless of your faith choice, there is wisdom in the advice to be thankful always!
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV.