The little bird figurine in the photo above sits on my kitchen counter and reminds me, “Every day is a gift from God.” I gave the bird to my mom to encourage her when she struggled to maintain her usual optimism in the face of congestive heart failure and muscle weakness.
My mother longed for the former days of good health and the freedom of independence when she could meet friends for lunch and shop for groceries.
As the current pandemic continues to stretch across the months of 2020, we too long for the former times—for the good health and freedom of pre-COVID days. We pray for the restoration of health and for release from viral fear that plagues so many.
Like me, I’m sure you’re hoping life returns to normal soon.
I miss “normal” blessings like hugs, visits, and handshakes. Mask-free breathing and fellowship over coffee would bring relief. The thought of going to a movie or attending a local theater play delights me.
How do you manage the lack of the “normal” you prefer? Here’s how my mom responded to her lifestyle changes:
During one of our daily calls, she admitted, “I felt a little down this morning and had a pity party. Then I told myself, ‘You have plenty to be thankful for. Look at the blessings God has given you. Stop fretting over what you can’t do and do something for someone else.’”
She followed her own advice. That afternoon she prepared a dish of chicken and dumplings for a friend who had weekly chemo treatments and then addressed cards to some church members who in her words, “have far worse problems than mine.”
My mom missed the good ole days—the days before the effects of illness and aging restricted her activities. However, despite hindrances, she thanked God for His blessings and looked for ways to serve others.
Despite our pandemic hindrances, we can express gratitude to our heavenly Father and then ask Him to reveal the ways we can bless others.
Instructions in the verses below can lift our eyes from circumstances we don’t like and focus our gaze on the One who designs the gift of daily life. Ask Him to show you creative ways to meet the needs of others.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
Proverbs 3:27
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
Are you ready for gratitude and service? Does your heart feel lighter?
The sun’s up, my friend. Let’s tear the wrapping from this new day, thank our Lord for it, and use the time to bless others because after all, “Every day is a gift from God.”
In the comment section, please list an item from your gratitude list and share an idea for blessing someone else. Hearing from you encourages me and other readers.
Bible verses are from the ESV.