Being Thankful In A Pandemic

“Rejoice always, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16, 18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A lot of people think that with all that’s going on in the world, it would be hard to find things to be thankful for. But I beg to differ. In fact, I have even more to be thankful for during this pandemic. Life has been different for the last several months. We have had to do things we’ve never done, have conversations we’ve never had, and think thoughts we’d otherwise not think. But through it all, it’s a blessing to be able to be able to relay the things that I am thankful for nowadays. I’ve narrowed it down to five things that I’m thanking God for this year:

1. Family: I used to think it was crazy how close we were. People would laugh at how many cousins I had. And it would sometimes be annoying how we were always together every weekend. But when you don’t have the luxury of going to the birthday parties and the Sunday dinners, you feel different. It’s like a part of you is missing. So I have to say that I’m very appreciative of the way I grew up close to my aunts and cousins. The sleepovers, grandparents buying us back to school clothes, and the countless cookouts. My family is absolutely amazing!

2. Friends: I always say that our children will truly think we were crazy with the stories we have. And Lord knows we have endless stories about the craziest things ever. I’m almost afraid of whoever does the speech at my wedding. Anything that starts with “remember the time” will have me unplugging the microphone! I love my friends, the girls and guys. We have surely lived a fun life.

3. Church: Anyone who knows me can tell you I stayed at the church house. Whether it was rehearsal, Sunday school meetings, or second service, I loved being in the house of the Lord. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to go to church and never miss a Sunday. It pulled at my spirit to get amongst other believers to worship. From New Bethel to New Life, I have truly been blessed. From singing with Kevin Davidson to Tennessee Mass Choir, I’ve enjoyed being with the Saints in the presence of God.

4. Job: I must give a shout out to my coworkers in LA. In the midst of a pandemic, they were all that I had that remotely resembled family. I was feeling very low at one point, but the laughs were very much appreciated. They gave me kind words, fun times, and advice of where to eat. Everyone knows I love a good meal. I’m glad to have met such good people at PATH and The Center.

5. Sorority: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority has been super clutch since I’ve been in LA. From Sorors inviting me to brunch to helping me have somewhere safe to stay. Lord knows I am thankful for kindhearted and intelligent poodles! I am glad I made the decision to join such an elite group of women.

One gospel song says count your blessings and see what the Lord has done. Well, it would take a lifetime to truly state the things I’m thankful for on a blog. Yes, things have been rough and people have lost loved ones and careers. But I’m so glad that God saw fit to keep me in the midst of it all. One thing is for sure, I’m still alive and will give God the praise every day. This week, let’s focus on the things that matter most and have a posture of thanksgiving. Be sweet!