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What can one say about 2020 other than it has been a most unusual year?  Contributing to the oddness of 2020 are: COVID 19 and ensuing world-wide pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests and riots throughout the Western World, and of course, the strangest presidential election in the history of America. It was a year that started out so promising as a young Swedish girl, Greta Thunberg brought our attention to the impending Global-Warming crisis and challenged us to “make a difference” while we still could.  This January we look forward to vaccines that will help control the pandemic, a return to sanity in America with the election of Joe Biden but we balance that optimism with fears of an unprecedented economic down-turn fueled by COVID.  

When I talk to people these days (mostly by phone or Zoom) many express a thankfulness that 2020 is coming to an end.  There is a group of people who experienced 2020 as one of their worst years ever. I think that is true for many:       

  • People who lost loved ones to the pandemic or just could not be with loved ones when they died, because of COVID protocols.
  • Those of us who have family in care facilities that have been locked down and hear their isolation, fear and desperation as they are kept in their rooms for days on end.  (my own mother has been confined to her room since November 5) ·       
  • The homeless who were initially abandoned at the beginning of the pandemic and still suffer from a drastic reduction in services.  (when Carol and I visited Victoria, we were amazed by the number of people camping in Beacon Hill Park) ·       
  • People who have died from drug overdoses and their loved ones. (more have died in BC from drug overdoses than COVID!) ·       
  • People who lost their jobs ·       
  • Front-line health care workers who had to deal with the pandemic on a daily basis ·       
  • All those who are suffering or abandoned because of COVID

But for most of us, our problems have been pretty minor.  Our social circles have shrunk dramatically, we had to Zoom with family over the holidays rather than celebrate in person, we had to cancel our holidays to Europe and warmer climates and we’ve had to stand-in-line to buy toilet paper.  Although COVID has altered our lives, for most of us, they really have been what I dub, “First World Problems.” 

And yet, many of us are profoundly unhappy and I understand how you feel.  Some days, tongue-in-cheek, I say, “Thank God for Netflix, and wine!”  There is some truth there, for the fabric of our lives has changed, and I too long for the days when we can interact freely with our friends and do things as simple as go to church and worship in-person.

I am reminded of a Blog that I wrote back in May about gratitude.  https://www.comoxunitedchurch.com/blog/happiness

 It is so easy to get bogged down by all the things we miss and the changes we have had to adapt to, that we forget to be truly thankful for all the blessings in our life.  Carol and I still live in a beautiful home with a view of the Salish Sea, our cupboards and fridge are full to overflowing, we still connect with friends and family by Zoom and phone, I have meaningful employment, we still can access all the great hiking trails in our area, and by taking some basic precautions are free to access the stores in our community.  On the plus side of COVID, we have had more time to read, garden, play board games, and start new projects or get caught up on those we’ve postponed. And yes, we are watching more Netflix that ever before!  

We cannot change the circumstances of 2020.  We can change our reaction to those circumstances. Whether we practise gratitude through prayer, journaling or simply naming our blessings silently or aloud; gratitude is still one of the most powerful spiritual tools at our disposal and it has the ability to change lives.   

As we prepare to enter the season of Epiphany, we are encouraged to let our light shine. When that light, the light of Christ, is grounded in gratitude, it not only changes our life, it contributes to the transformation of the world.  

Mostly, although 2020 held many challenges, I feel blessed.  What are you thankful for in 2020?

  All the best to you in 2021. B

Blessings, Wayne