The Thankful List

Did I ever share the story about how during my early and very challenging days of living in Uganda, Rosemary Jensen told me to Thank God for Everything in following  the teaching of  1 Thessalonians 5:18.  Honestly I thought she was crazy. I even was slightly sarcastic as I started making list.  But as I did it, my attitude  began to change. That was a valuable life lesson.  Thankfulness really does change one's perspective.  I think I even read it is scientifically proven. So in light of Covid 19 visiting my house I have kept a list of things I can truly be grateful for.

Peter and I were diagnosed positive at the same time. Made things less complicated.

The Sun has shined more than not.

Several people generously dropped food by our house.

People have called, txt or emailed to check on us.

Church deacons checked in and offered help

Peter is catching up on sleep from working 60 hour night shift at Amazon the week before.

An awesome co-worker, Emma who is doing a great job in my absence, making Christmas fun for the kids.

Although not decorating a tree this year, I had put up enough festive decorations to make it Christmasy and pleasant.

I had my yard and porch festively decorated for Christmas before the cold weather and virus hit.

I uncharacteristically decorated my bedroom with Christmas items including the new "Christmas tree on a VW Bus" pillow covers  I splurged on. I have been in my room a lot to enjoy them.

For that friend who knows nothing of what is going on and left a really cute Christmas VW Bus dishtowel at my house last Wednesday.

Amazon, Target drive up, and Instacart Pubix delivery.

Drive through and Drive Up Covid testing and the people working them.

Plenty of food in the pantry and freezer.

Mom has remained healthy. (At this point she is 11 days out from her lunch with Peter the day before he took ill.)

Super duper supplements have helped me fight the virus and I have not felt horrible most of thet past week and a half.

I have maintained some energy, thus able to work on lots of projects, even some dreaded, put off one.

The lack of hard labor made my Color Street nails self manicure last a whole 11 days - my new record.

I have been home long enough to make meringue cookies (they take forever!) 

Extra time at home means 2 phone chats a day with mom instead of just our usual one.

I had time to address Christmas cards and make Christmas ornaments.

I made decorations for my outdoor "bird" Christmas tree.

I took the time to read the sporadically written diary from my first year in Uganda, 2000. 

I have saved minimum of $50 because I haven't been in the Dollar tree in over 2 weeks.

I am catching up on sleep.

Yesterday's Covid retest was positive so I get more time at home.

I really like home and I have had a valid reason not to go anywhere.