 |
|
November is traditionally a month during which we celebrate all the blessings for which we are thankful.
As the weather grows colder and thoughts turn inward, I recall so many memories of previous Thanksgiving celebrations of joyous chatter around the festive table, with mounds of delicious food amid the warmth of many family members gathering from places near and far.
A different Thanksgiving
With a different kind of Thanksgiving likely on the horizon this year, however, I must admit that “thankful” is not the word that immediately comes into my heart.
With all that has happened in 2020, it is easy to want to dismiss this year and move on to 2021, in the hopes that the future will hold some semblance of normalcy, some certainty, some return to comforts of the past.
Yet in its own way, this year has distilled for me basic elements of life that are as vital as breathing, yet I had been too busy before to truly value them.
This year, the things for which I’m thankful look different — simpler — from years past.
This year, I’m thankful for the sun shining, on the days it chooses to shine, and the golden patterns it leaves on the floor of my living room in the afternoon.
I’m thankful for the silliness and laughter of my children, even when they are supposed to be learning.
I’m thankful for cloudy, windswept days when my husband and I can venture out for walks, stealing a few moments of connection — or silence — whichever is needed most.
I’m thankful that my husband has a job, that we have food, shelter, and a way to educate our children.
I’m thankful for the health of my loved ones, for ways to keep in touch with them, for treasured memories, and for hope of times to come.
I’m thankful for the knowledge that — even if we falter in our faith or in our gratitude during difficult times — God loves us through it all.
And I pray earnestly for all of those who are struggling in any of these areas.
Appreciating now
In a time during which we may wish we were elsewhere — or elsewhen — the fact remains: God has put each of us in this particular place at this particular time in history.
As Gandalf the Grey aptly says in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, what we decide to do with the time we are given is up to each of us.
Let’s make the best of it.
What does that mean? Maybe some new creative Thanksgiving traditions are in order this year, including virtual visits, simple phone calls, or dropping off a ready-made turkey dinner to our elderly loved ones.
The children can make cards for those in nursing homes or make donations to the food pantry.
Thanksgiving may look different this year, but the sentiments remain the same.
We are made to be people of faith because of God’s promises, people of gratitude because difficult times can bring us closer to Him, and people of hope because He has purchased Heaven for us. If we remain faithful to Him, what indescribable joy lies ahead of us!
Now that’s something to be thankful for.
Julianne Nornberg, mother of four young children, is a member of St. John the Baptist Parish, Waunakee.