More than 30 years ago, a friend strongly encouraged me to start keeping a Thankfulness Journal. According to her, if I journaled my thanksgivings before going to sleep each night and read them the following morning, it would counteract depression. A person cannot be thankful and depressed at the same time. I took her advice and started my journal. Several weeks later, I realized I was truly laughing at something funny; I felt happiness throughout my body. It was so amazing, so fantastic that I still continue to journal my gratitudes nightly. Today, the only thing that gets in my way of happiness is stress and my thankfulness journal does ease that a bit.
In the midst of the Coronavirus, I find myself thankful for so many things! The flowering trees were spectacular this year, and Jay and I got to ride by the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms the day before the area was closed to traffic. The daffodils and pansies brought such joy and the tulips were gorgeous. The dogwood blossoms made me think of Christ’s crucifixion to save me. Now, the hydrangea of all varieties are in full bloom along with beautiful roses and all the summer annuals.
My back deck and yard have become a stage for the birds to entertain me and there have been so many of them. I applaud their performances.
One of my greatest gifts has been Holy Comforter. What a blessing our church services have been! I love to see our priests present their sermons and the liturgy in their homes or lawns, by a brook or pasture, or on their porch with rain falling behind them. I enjoyed every setting! How David has produced all the streamed services including synchronizing the music has been amazing! Parishioners of all ages participating in the services gives me a glimpse of some of the people I miss seeing. I must mention my thankfulness for Peggy’s and Liz’s work in the church office and their helpfulness to me; they keep the church and me going! The many Zoom study and worship events and coffee hours have been excellent.
Friends and family remind me that life and my responsibilities continue amidst our stay-at-home and social distancing orders. I am grateful for them.
Thinking of these gratitudes and the countless ones I haven’t mentioned makes me happy. I am grateful for you and the opportunity to share this with you. Thank you! And thank you, God!
Shelia Creswell
