Thankful

Some days we forget to look around us
Some days we can’t see the joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give

Coronavirus has bred two mutant brothers – groaner-virus and moaner-virus. They’re both highly infectious, travelling very quickly from person to person, bringing symptoms of negativity, self-centredness, anger and confusion.

There is an alternative. We can be thankful. Focusing on what we have rather than what we don’t have we can look deliberately and purposefully for good people, beauty in the world around us, and acts of kindness and generosity.

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And every day we hope for
What we still can’t see

It’s up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There’s so much to be thankful for

I wouldn’t belittle the suffering of many living with physical and mental ill-health, damaged relationships, financial crises or employment worries. For many life is really tough.

And yet, even in sadness and suffering, we can choose the be thankful. We can seek out, recognise and celebrate the good. And as we practice the attitude of gratitude it becomes part of us so that we share it and spread it. Perhaps it’s then doner-virus.

Look beyond ourselves, there’s so much sorrow
It’s way too late to say, I’ll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth
We’re so long overdue

My Christian faith requires and enables me to remain positive and be grateful. I’m not always there, but I’m working towards it.

I believe that in despair there can be hope, in sorrow there can be joy, in chaos there can be peace. I believe it, I’ve seen it, I’m thankful for it.  

And even though we all can still do more
There’s so much to be thankful for