On Sundays, I listen to Catholic sermons while at work as COVID has prevented me from being able to attend Sunday mass. The recent podcast I listened to was explaining how we as Christians have no excuse to feel sorry for ourselves. This message stuck with me and it really opens up my eyes to how incredibly privileged and blessed I am!
Lots of things I took for granted have been taken away this year due to COVID. Things such as the church always being open to visit, being able to walk into a doctor's office without a scheduled appointment, being able to fly home to visit family, and being able to travel; That's a shortlist of things that are now gone. However, as I sat in meditation the other day I consciously went through all the things I have and I was amazed at how really, my list could go on forever!
I have two hands, so I can work. I have two feet so I can move. I am in relatively good health. I live in a country where I don't need to worry about going out into town during the day or night as a woman. Water is readily available to me, I have a warm place to sleep. I live outside the city in the beautiful countryside where the air is clean to breathe! Wildlife is plentiful in my life, and I get to work with some of the most wonderful animals in the world, horses. The more I think about it, every little thing is a blessing.
A gratitude attitude; My mother used to say this to us when I was younger. It used to grate on me because I thought she was calling me an ungrateful child. There is truth to this statement though and when you practice this attitude in your life it will transform it. I would exercise this while planting on a truly miserable day. "What am I thankful for?" Then I would go through every little thing.
"It is hailing, and my fingers are cold but I am thankful that there is warm tea waiting for me back at camp, I am thankful that I can keep moving, I am thankful that I was made strong, I am thankful that at least I back bagged my rain jacket so I'm not entirely soaked, I'm thankful that we get to go home in three hours, I am thankful that this experience will enhance my character development." Once I would go through the things I was thankful for in the moment, I would move onto the things that I was thankful for in the past or the future. A gratitude attitude has helped me through many tough moments in my life.
"It is hailing, and my fingers are cold but I am thankful that there is warm tea waiting for me back at camp, I am thankful that I can keep moving, I am thankful that I was made strong, I am thankful that at least I back bagged my rain jacket so I'm not entirely soaked, I'm thankful that we get to go home in three hours, I am thankful that this experience will enhance my character development." Once I would go through the things I was thankful for in the moment, I would move onto the things that I was thankful for in the past or the future. A gratitude attitude has helped me through many tough moments in my life.
This Thanksgiving I have a lot to be thankful for! Firstly, I am thankful to you, all my friends, family, and supporters. You all motivate me, build me up, and encourage me to be my best self. I could not do all the things I do without you!
I am thankful that we were able to have a tree planting season this year. It opened up many doors for myself and has helped out financially making it possible for me to buy my first vehicle and pay off my student debt. I am incredibly thankful for the people who made up the crew I was on and for the hard work my foreman put into making our season profitable and a success!
I am thankful for my job at CVTRS. For the staff, volunteers, and horses! I'm happy the facility is back up and running and that I can work there full time this year.
I am thankful for my super awesome living situation this year! I have missed living on a farm and it is great to have horses, a pig, and a dog in my backyard. The family who owns the place are wonderful people and I couldn't be happier with how things are going.
I am most thankful for my faith and the relationship I have with Christ. The isolation I feel, due mostly to COVID, is bearable because with him I know I am never alone. He has given me so much and I feel that I am often blind to the extent of love that he offers me. With him by my side through the good and bad moments I know I will be okay.
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! God bless!
