It’s Thanksgiving here in America and I recon we’re all needing it a bit more than usual this year. 2020 has been awful, and I don’t know anyone who’s come through completely unscathed, but if it’s taught me anything it’s not to take things for granted. It’s reminded me to find something every day to be grateful for, even if it’s just a cup of tea.
So, through all the chaos of a worldwide pandemic, tense election year, and personal catastrophe, here’s my short-list of thankfulness.
10 Things I’m Thankful For in 2020
In no particular order:
- The obvious one this year is health. I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t always deal graciously with my health issues. I’m more likely to grumble about keeping track of medicine and refills than I am to stop and thank God for the very same medicine and doctors that make my daily life livable. But this year, I’m just a little more grateful.
- The ability to stay in touch with family and friends. Having friends spread out all over the world, this has always been something I’m thankful for. But through the isolation of COVID, I’ve reconnected with many of my closest friends online.
- The number of virtual conferences and gatherings that have popped up. While I’m sure this was a blow to those organizing, the virtual nature of 2020 has enabled me to attend a lot that I wouldn’t otherwise have been able to. Instead of missing out on some of my favorite things, I got to do extra!
- All the extra writing time. Without the work I got done during that initial shutdown, I likely wouldn’t be publishing now. Of course, launch means I haven’t had a chance to sit down and write anything new for quite a while, but I figure it’s worth it 😉
- My house and that I have a dad who can fix it. To be honest, buying a house was never on my bucket list. Definitely wasn’t something I planned on doing as a 20-something single girl. But my parents talked me into it when prices dropped so low. And while the process was extremely stressful for me, and repairs continue to be, I’ve been so glad I listened!
- That I’ve got a good job with great co-workers. Near the beginning of the year, I was informed that my position was being dissolved due to budget cuts. That was a massive blow! Not only was it my livelihood, it was my dream job. I had good friends there. And it was being taken away. Harder to swallow, it was being taken away through no fault of my own. If I had done something wrong, at least I would know that I deserved it. Then the pandemic came in full swing and I had the added stress of finding a job during work shortages. BUT GOD PROVIDES! Within a couple months, I found a great new job working alongside the wife of one of my former coworkers! It’s been a bumpy ride as COVID continues to restrict the work environment, but we’re coming through just fine.
- The Great British Baking Show! Yes, I realize it’s been around for ages. But I’ve just discovered this perfection and it’s become my go-to de-stressor. When I come home too exhausted and drained to get any of my own work done, I’ll curl up on the couch with an episode playing in one tab and Pinterest open in another as I search for corresponding recipes. And maybe one day, I’ll actually try them 😉
- Candles! I’m an avid collector of candles, but due to dorm life and other life circumstances, I haven’t been able to use them in nearly a decade. And now I can! They were one of the first things I unpacked after the necessities and I’ve had great fun arranging them in a display with my books. And, of course, burning them every chance I get.
- Chai and pretty bookish mugs. Y’all knew this was coming eventually! Honestly, what would life be without a good cup of Chai or Irish Breakfast in a geeky mug while you write on a rainy Saturday?
- My church. I don’t say it often enough, but I’m so thankful for my church body and great pastor. I’m proud of the ways we have adapted and the ingenuity put into new modes of outreach. One of my favorites is coloring missions! Since we can’t visit nursing homes like usual this holiday season, we’re sending cards with coloring pages and kind notes. Seriously, how brilliant is that?!
Ok, so that’s my thankfulness list. What are a few things on yours?
Writer Rae Graham 
it’s strange – I keep reading questions from people about what they can do to keep from being bored in the pandemic. I am grateful for the pandemic because if it had not hit, many things I’ve done would not have happened. I finished two novels. One came out in April, the other should be out before Christmas. I’m working on a third. Yes, marketing is a major failure for me, but I have finished two books.
When the pandemic hit, my “I’m not prepared for emergencies” anxiety politely but clearly asserted itself. I got a few inexpensive emergency preparedness items but decided that resourcefulness was probably the more reasonable course. I learned how to unglaze and glaze windows and caulk a tub. I learned some about the wild plants in my area – what can be eaten, what’s useful for personal care or medical use. With that in mind, and thanks to my city providing free compost to residents, I expanded my garden, and composted gardens for my neighbor and a friend. I learned to make jam, jelly, sauce, and salves, and to hot-water bath can. I also volunteered at an emergency food distribution site (which eventually returned to being a food pantry.)
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That’s great! So many learning opportunities are out there every day. We just have to look for them.
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