I remember a time when I was having a particularly difficult time in a relationship. It was suggested to me that I find things about this person that I am grateful for. I couldn’t come up with one thing. This scared me. How could this person be such an important part of my life, and yet I couldn’t list one thing? I spent that evening thinking and searching. Finally, I was able to come up with one thing I was grateful for; and then, I discovered that I had another item to add to the list and another and another. I realized that once I was able to find that first piece of gratitude others began to stick to it like snow sticking to a snowball rolling down the hill. Just as the snowball grew as it rolled down the hill, my list grew too. I was aware that grateful thinking bred more grateful thinking.
Scientists have studied the benefits of gratitude and have discovered when people live in gratitude, they have stronger immune systems, sleep better, experience feelings of optimism and happiness.  They have increased feelings of forgiveness and feel less loneliness and isolation. In this time of social distancing and constant changes, it might be difficult to be thankful. But God has blessed us with so much. Yes, even during a pandemic we have been blessed.  We are warm in our homes with people whom we love and love us. We have the opportunity to read, binge watch our favorite show, try out new recipes, still get an education all while we have well stocked cupboards. Ok, maybe not well stocked with toilet paper, but with food.
When we begin to look at our daily lives through the lens of thankfulness, we can see God at work even in the mess of it all. So, take this time to start a gratitude list and find those blessings and thank God for them.
I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; I will talk about all your wonderful acts. Psalm 9:1
God is good all the time.
All the time God is good.
Marty