Thanksgiving is here and in the midsts of a crazy year, for some people it might be hard to find things to be thankful for. It’s been a tough year for a lot of people, but it’s always important to take a moment to practice thankfulness, especially during tough circumstances. I hope this year has helped you find that true joy is not dependent on your circumstances. Hard times will come and go, but a good attitude can make all the difference of your situation. Did you know, that a mindset of gratitude can even help combat the hormones that trigger anxiety? I’m not a professional that can help you understand all that, but this is a great read of how it works and how gratitude is great for your health.

No matter where 2020 finds you, I hope this list helps you find gratitude in the blessings that life gives us. I am praying for a joyful holiday season for you and your family!

Family

Family doesn’t have to be blood relatives. It absolutely includes those people in your tribe that cares for you and supports you no matter what. Make sure you tell them how much they mean to you.

Health

If you’re reading this, you have every reason to be thankful for your health. Its a scary reality to think that we’re in a situation that you’ve either had COVID-19 or you’re most likely going to get it at some point in time. We don’t yet see the light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. Be thankful for health and the ability to fight off illnesses. Also, it’s a good time to be thankful for healthcare workers and their selfless efforts to keep others healthy.

Seasons

We all have a season that we love the most. For me, it’s absolutely fall! But, right now, I’m not necessarily talking about the four seasons that happen each year. I am talking about the seasons of life. For everything there is a season. Seasons come and go. Some seasons bring immense joy, while some seasons bring deep sorrow. Be thankful for the seasons of life. Remember, they’re only here for a moment.

Nature

How often do you stop to take a moment and be thankful for all the things that God has blessed us with through nature? How humbling to think of how without nature, we could not even breathe on our own. I hope this year has granted you more time in nature. Be thankful for the roaring oceans. Be thankful for the majesty of the mountains. Be thankful for the beauty and intricate design of a small flower and the important role it plays in your life.

Change

This has definitely been a year of change. For some, it means doing school virtually, working from home, cooking more at home, and even trying not to go crazy with your kids in quarantine. Change is not always easy, but sometimes it is good. The changes of this year have helped me recognize some of the more important things in life. Think about what is worthy of your time for yourself and your family. It can be good to make a change.

Shelter

How thankful I am for a home to keep my family safe from the elements of nature and the world. Maybe you find the most protection in your home. Or maybe you find the most protection in the arms of the one you love. Show gratitude for the place you find refuge and security.

Communication

Wow, has communication changed for us all this year. Zoom meetings, online classes, text messages checking in on loved ones that we can’t visit. You name it. I am so thankful for all of the means by which we are able to connect with others. But it’s important to note that just because we talk to someone, doesn’t mean we communicate with them. I wonder how many conflicts are created around miscommunications. Be thankful for the ability to communicate and don’t take for granted the chance to be clear about your needs and wants from others.

Home Cooked Meals

It only took about three days into quarantine for me to think “holy crap, this three meals-a-day thing is a lot of work!” It made me wonder how our grandparents and those before us would do it every. single. day. It’s hard to beat a home cooked meal. It’s healthier for you, you usually don’t over eat the way you would at a restaurant, and it’s easier on the wallet! I am thankful for a forced opportunity to get into a rhythm of making and enjoying more home cooked meals.

Rest

At the onset of the pandemic, I was five months pregnant and extremely overwhelmed with my responsibilities that had accumulated over time. I was so sick in my pregnancy, so not only did I feel like I was drowning, but I experienced so much guilt for the things I couldn’t get done. When the first two-week lockdown happened, we rested. We quarantined a lot even after the two weeks, and gosh, I was so thankful for the rest. It caused me to realize how much we need to take time to rest without feeling guilty about it.

Jesus

The most important thing on my list; Jesus. He’s where I find all my joy and all my hope. In the middle of this crazy year, Jesus has continued to give us joy. We welcomed the life of our baby girl, which brought so much joy. We braced ourselves for an unprecedented election, and Jesus sustained our fears. We experienced a loss in the family, and Jesus helped us through the grief with a promise of a better life ahead. Where would I be without the grace, forgiveness and mercies of Jesus Christ?

What are you most thankful for this year?