Thanksgiving 2020

 Giving Thanks 2020

    We are changed.   This year has cast a spotlight on our character, each and every one of us.  Many have said COVID 19 didn't cause disparities in our society, it merely put them on display in high definition.  We have elected a new President.  Number 45 won't go peacefully or quietly, though.  Hundreds of court challenges to voting outcomes all over the country being filed by the Trump Campaign legal team.  Such waste.  Waste is a concept I'm understanding in its depth and breadth these days.  Matt and I viewed a life changing Documentary - Kiss the Ground, on Netflix.  I learned that humans are the only organisms on the planet capable of producing waste.  Matt & I have moved towards simplifying our lives in recent years.  Gardening, focusing on our family, seeking God's will in our lives, restructuring our home (courtesy of Preacher, the 3rd career carpenter ever evolving more like Jesus), trying to get out and enjoy nature, but mostly focusing inward and upward, not outward, for our strength, wisdom and happiness.

    This year we needed strength more than any other.  We were dealt some catastrophic blows.  Our youngest digressing further into his Autism and an older having been sucked into a black hole of a crippling diagnosis.  Trauma was just the beginning.  I learned to cling to my husband, my family, my friends, my faith, my Lord and be grateful for the outpourings of support when we needed them most.  Fully immersed in "let go and let God", I learned how to live a life of gratitude.  Evidence of this change is my testimony.
2019 VIA character strengths survey results (we do these annually to begin the school year)

Results 2020

    Like the single petunia bud that appeared on my plant this morning, I am seeing signs of our resilience and hope.  Matt put TSO on the bluetooth this morning.  We are heading into a season of celebration.  It's about time!  For all my friends and loved ones who have suffered terrible losses during 2020, I weep for your suffering, but I believe a new age is dawning.  Blessings and love to all, may we each find our gratitude today.
Love, 
Jenny