a time for giving thanks...even in 2020

   Life's been going so smoothly lately.
   My days at school are so productive. My students have been calm, ready to learn and listen. My family is healthy and COVID is fading away. The election is over and the country's moving forward in unity. And I met the most wonderful--
   BRRRRRR!!!!!!
   Then the alarm goes off. And it's back to reality.
   Can I be honest with you? Lately, my life has seen none of those things. School has been hectic and stressful. The kids are either wired up or missing school due to quarantine. COVID has hit my family in the last two weeks. The election...well, I'm not going there.
   And no, I haven't met the most wonderful anyone.
   So let's get real for a little bit. How's life been? Are you okay? Can we all just take in a deep breath? And don't forget to let it out.
   I admit, I've had my moments. I woke up one morning last week feeling very discouraged and frustrated. I just wanted to stay in bed all day. I spent some time venting my feelings in my journal. (Yes, I'm one of those people who have journals!) Then I got up and faced the day. And you know what? After getting dressed and having some breakfast, chatting with Holly for a bit, I found that I was okay.
   My situation hadn't changed, but my attitude had. I don't want to miss out on what this life has to offer (even in 2020!) by walking in the mulligrubs. (Not sure that's spelled right, but you get the idea.)
   This Thanksgiving is going to look different for my family. We currently have two members who have just gotten over  COVID, and two who have it now. (Holly and I are still holding out!) Because of work obligations, Holly and I are trying very hard to keep COVID out of our house. And because, I'll be honest, I'm a wimp and I don't want to get sick. Or tested. *shudders*
   So, we'll be cooking in two different houses and swapping food in a socially distant manner. It's not ideal. It's not our first choice of how to spend the day. But Mom was determined to celebrate Thanksgiving and after all the options were considered, this seemed the best.
   And you know what? I can't bring myself to be upset about this. I love my times with my families, especially over the holidays. Nothing brings me more job than sitting down to eat together or watch a special movie or play a game or just sit around and enjoy a good visit.
   But how can I make a fuss over not getting my way this year? A lot of families are separated this week. I have several longtime friends who are facing their first Thanksgiving without a loved one. My family is still here, still safe. We can get together anytime. 
   Thanksgiving is a state of mind. Not a ritual. Yes, we get together for our meals and with our families. But if it's a little disrupted, we can still be thankful. We've all faced inconveniences, disappointments, setbacks, and losses this year, no matter how small or how large. It's not easy, and it's okay to feel all the emotions. But let's not forget to give thanks.
   David thanked God for His lovingkindness in the midst of his distress.
  Paul and Silas praised God in prison, after being beaten and put in stocks.
    Jesus glorified God just hours before being arrested. 
  Let's find some good in this holiday. Let's make the best of it. And let's encourage one another. Everyone is struggling, but we don't want anyone to struggle alone. Reach out and check on your friends and neighbors with a phone call or conversation across the fence. Give someone a smile.
    Maybe your holiday looks different this year, too. Drop a comment below and tell me about it! We're all in this together. (Cue coordinated dancing and clapping? From High School Musical? No? OK, moving on.) 
   Love you guys! Remember, God's still in control. Even when we can't see or feel it, He's got this. And He's got us...
   In His Grip!!
   Crystal