TOP 5 THINGS I’M MISSING TODAY
- I miss seeing people smile and hearing them laugh. Even when I get out to the grocery store every couple of weeks, everyone is wearing masks. No happy conversations, bright chattering, or laughter. Everyone seems solemn, focused on getting what they need, then getting back out to limit their exposure.
- I miss blaming other people or my busy-ness when I make a mistake or lose something.
- I miss hugging friends.
- I miss watching a movie and being able to enter into the story as potentially real. Instead, I find myself processing it: I remember when school hallways were filled with kids like that scene, but now they’re empty. I remember when people had others over for dinner like that. I remember when people celebrated in big groups like that scene.
- I miss my ability to concentrate and focus. Hmm, that was a weakness of mine before the pandemic, but I still miss it.
TOP 6 THINGS I’M THANKFUL FOR TODAY
- I’m thankful that the pandemic’s given me an excuse for my lack of concentration and focus. Maybe it’s that more people are struggling with similar issues, but it seems they have a greater understanding and are volunteering more grace.
- I’m thankful for a place to shelter in that has all the necessities of life for the moment: food, water, heat, soft bed, clothes, medicine, and the technology to connect through internet, phone, and mail.
- I’m thankful that I only have one animal depending on me for care instead of a full zoo (though she’s well-loved). This realization of gratitude came as I’ve begun to relate more to Noah’s excruciatingly-long, restrictive forty days on the ark, not knowing how long his confinement would last.
- I’m thankful for books! They’re allowing me to travel (including time travel), connect with thoughts of others, see the world in a new way, receive the gift of imagination, and gain insights from their authors.
- I’m thankful for historical stories like Noah’s and stories my mom shared about generations who overcame great hardships. These accounts are helping me see a larger perspective through times the world previously endured catastrophes, then recovered. They’re giving me hope for recovery and rebuilding again.
- I’m thankful for God being so present through this time. He’s not distancing. The soothing comfort of his Presence calms me down and draws me near to Him. No circumstances can touch that.
I’d love to know. What are your top things today that you’re either missing or grateful for?
1) I’m so thankful & blessed to have a daughter who can put her heart into words to bless and encourage others. . . including me.
2) I am grateful for God’s forgiveness when I whine (today it would have been nice to have the Mocha Almond Fudge ice cream that the store was out of when we picked up our order–twice!! But I am so grateful for everything else we did pick up.
3) I am grateful for the churches that are online and working very hard to stay ahead off the techie curve while encouraging us from God’s Word in this crazy time of isolation, fears, and maybe too much family togetherness or none at all.
4) I am also grateful that I learned enough about Zoom to continue our Bible Study online and the graciousness of the group to my on-going learning curve. It was so great to see and hear them on screen.
5). God, I thank you for my family and friends and their encouragement from states very far away or neighbors on our street checking in with us.
I see YOU in their lives. May they see You in my life.
Ditto! I was just telling a friend that you not only figured out Zoom, but now you’ve upgraded it! You’ve stepped up and succeeded in an amazing learning curve with this cultural online shift. You’re amazing!
Deb, I love your list! #2 cracks me up. The thing I most miss is hugging and playing with grandchildren. The thing I’m most grateful for is that my schedule cleared away for several weeks. I don’t have the pressure and stress of running places. It’s been so nice.
Dina, I’ve heard a lot of grandparents say that missing hugging their grandchildren during this time has also been so hard!
So much so! I get to visit with them over video, but it’s just not the same.
Friends in general, I just miss hugging people. 🤗 I’m a hugger for sure.
Me too! I’m sending virtual hugs to you, Dina!