The time of year has rolled around once again when we all recognize who and what we are thankful for. The year of 2020 has brought with it a new level of gratefulness in many people’s hearts, including mine. During these uncertain times that are hovering over our lives, I have found myself recognizing, even more so, the things and people that are true blessings in my life. As I take time each day with God and recognize the gifts He has and is giving to me, I am in awe. He is restoring relationships that have been marred, providing a place of safety, and planting wonderful friends in my life.
Raising my children as a single mother was difficult, and I made many mistakes. I was young and self-focused and unaware of how to be emotionally present with my kids. This caused pain and struggles in their lives. Over the years, all three of us have grown, emotionally and spiritually. I am more aware of the things I did and didn’t do for them as children, and we are reviving our relationships with one another. I am so very grateful for forgiveness and serving the God of reconciliation and love.
Friends are the color of life and my life is bright with color. The asset of friendship has helped me to navigate through trials and sit in celebration. Being in community and living life with others has taught me better ways to love and support people and the ability to receive gifts offered to me. These friendships have been hand picked for me by God himself and I am full of gratitude and praise.
Volumes could be written regarding the blessings that have been bestowed upon me and my family. I am thankful for each and every circumstance in my life, today and yesterday. I have found that a posture of Thanksgiving and thoughtfulness in each day brings joy which is magnified as we approach the days of traditional November Thanksgiving. I am overwhelmed by the God of grace and mercy who knows my name.
Carrie Davis
In 2020, the days are constantly shifting; no one knows from moment to moment how the climate of change will affect them. We can all recall what we did or didn't do during quarantine, and we can all recall what limitations were created because of the virus. Oftentimes, it's easy to remember the things that were taken from us or experiences that were limited because of mandates that were updated almost hourly. Having to do Easter on Zoom, watching my daughter struggle while her father lay in a hospital bed on a ventilator because of COVID, and not being able to take a vacation with my boyfriend, all made me sad. They were all disheartening events that we had no control over.
Regardless of all of this, I find it more important to take a look at our lives and be reminded of all we are grateful for. Family and good friends are always at the top of my list. Social distancing with my sister and her newborn baby in her backyard was special to me. Sitting on my parents back patio while distancing meant a lot to see them and to know they were healthy. Driving to Boulder when there were no other cars on the road and having my daughter and I pick out our favorite songs to sing at the top of our lungs was therapeutic. Having my boyfriend bring me flowers on his way home from work because he was thinking of me was significant. It is these moments I am forever grateful for.
It turns out we didn't need that trip to Mexico to appreciate one another. We didn't need a huge graduation party for my daughter to show her she was exceptional and we were all proud of her. It was in the moments of solitude we could grow as individuals and appreciate one another.
I am grateful that no matter what has happened to the world around us, we all had to go through it, and we are all better and stronger people because of it.
Monique McCrimmon
As we approach Thanksgiving this year, our family takes this holiday as a great opportunity to bond and connect. Thanksgiving is not just about culinary indulgence and who made the best dish. While we do combine cuisine from both our American and Asian cultures, this is a more significant event.
For our family, Thanksgiving is a time of reflection. We take this day as an opportunity to spend quality time together as a family, share memories and make new ones. Particularly this year, we have been taking several moments to acknowledge how blessed our family has been to have medical miracles unfold. It can be easy to take your circumstances for granted. COVID and other tragic events have reminded us how precious life is and that holidays don't need to be the only time we honor these relationships.
We need to take these moments to unplug, turn off devices, and simply be present. While many of us have had challenging times this past year, holidays can remind us to care for one another and cherish the time we have left.
Krystal Than