The Pandemic taught me to be grateful

There does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel!  Gathering with friends, planning special occasions and vacations!  We seem to be gaining some semblance of normalcy.  And to that I say, "THANK GOD!"

If the pandemic taught me anything, it was to be grateful. 

A friend of mine posted on Facebook a "daily delight."  Everyday she found something to delight in during this past year.  I looked forward to her posts.  It reminded me of the blessings I had in my own life which turned out to be numerous.

For awhile, I concentrated on the negative.  There was a lot.  Nine people I knew passed away during 2020.  No funerals or memorials.  No way to say goodbye or comfort the living.  It was overwhelming.

Slowly, daily walks returned to my routine.  Outdoor activities were such a blessing!  Taking photos of the different routes I took also became a staple.  I had a new appreciation for where I lived.   

Being away from church was difficult especially since I'm in music ministry.  Eventually we returned and God's grace blessed me and my family.

My husband and I returned to the senior living center where he was choir director.  Though the residences are not allowed to have a choir just yet, they were thrilled to be at Mass and to hear my husband and I sing.  Those people suffered during this long lockdown. They couldn't leave, visit family or even leave their apartments.  Some were quite active before all this happened.  I could see the changes in their faces as we talked about their ordeal.  Now there are glimmers of hope in their tired eyes.

As the light at the end of the tunnel brightens, I've started seeing friends.  We have family gatherings planned to celebrate milestones.  I even have one vacation coming up and another in the planning stages.

Lord, I am grateful for this experience despite the losses that were endured.  I am grateful for those "daily delights" that you made me see and continue to see.  I ask your abundant blessings on those that have suffered and are now emerging from that suffering.  I ask for strength and renewed faith as we all move forward.  And I ask all this, in Jesus' name.  Amen!