Gratitude

Living life in the shadow of a pandemic is stressful. There's so much anxiety and unpredictability on the horizon and all we can do is separate and quarantine ourselves from one another. The isolation leads to more fear and becomes a vicious cycle filled with doubt and paranoia. So what is the path forward in the face of uncertainty? It's gratitude. Sounds crazy right? People are dying. Resources are scarce. Jobs hang in the balance. So why gratitude? Well, we can become so obsessed with what's right in front of us and fearful of the unknown, that we forget our own stories. If you've made it this far in life, it hasn't been without struggles and tough times. You've overcome things. You've learned from your mistakes. You've gotten better and wiser along the way. These times when we're forced to slow down and stop can become a great place to regain perspective. Remember where you've come from. Remember what you've survived. Remember that you haven't done this alone and others have helped you along the way. Contemplating all of this can lead to gratitude and that gratitude can fuel us to push through this pandemic and look forward to a hopeful future. So instead of hiding from the outside world with the next Netflix marathon, begin to think about what you're grateful for. With each breath, we are reminded that we're not dead yet and should live like there are better days ahead. Those around you need you awake, aware, and soberly alert of what is needed now and beyond. In the midst of all of this pandemic, we need to become compassionate neighbors, keen observers, ardent contemplators, and hopeful dreamers. Remember what is good. Remember what is next. And if God is moving in the world today, where can we see her moving and how do we join her there? The first step is gratitude. Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.   www.SnarkyFaith.com