Thanksgiving 2020

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Today we celebrate Thanksgiving. Families and friends gather around tables across this nation to celebrate God’s goodness. This year, Thanksgiving looks a little different for most of us. We have confronted an invisible enemy unlike any we have ever seen. We have been encouraged to gather in small numbers, wear face masks, not to visit grandma and grandpa, and to keep social distance, which is quite difficult for those in the South. If the French greet each other with two kisses on the cheek, Texans like to greet with a big bear hug.

Nevertheless, in light of the Apostle Paul’s encouragement that, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." (2 Corinthians 9:11). I decided to list five things I am thankful for amid a pandemic. Here it goes:

  1. Despite many people losing their jobs, I can do my work from home.
  2. Despite the impossibility of being with my coworkers in the office or gather in a classroom to teach, I provide training online.
  3. Despite having travel cancelations, I continue to assist the Mercy Ships crew to receive training and certification to do their jobs.
  4. Despite being interrupted during a Teams meeting by my granddaughter, her childlikeness brightens my busy day.
  5. Despite lockdowns and social distancing, I feel connected to those I love (family and friends) more than ever.

Wish you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving! Wishing you the gift of faith and the blessing of hope this Thanksgiving Day! We gather on this day to be thankful for what we have, for the family we love, the friends we cherish, and for the blessings that will come.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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