I am a journaler. Not an everyday sort of journaler but a regular writer. This week I filled a journal I started in January of 2019. As I prepared to write my final entry, I turned back to review the previous year. On March 25, 2019, I wrote this:

I wonder if we all slowed down a bit if we would have a greater sense of thanksgiving?

I didn’t know that my wondering would also be prophetic. For it was almost exactly one year later that we all slowed down. Perhaps not by choice, but we slowed.

This week I read a devotional written by one of the pastors at my church. He talked about how the stay at home order helped him to….that’s right – slow down. He expressed gratitude for what he is learning during this season.

Another friend evaluated what she wants to keep from this season. Her initial response to this questions was NOTHING! She and her husband are business owners and the process of laying off hundreds of employees was tough to say the least. And then on further reflection, she admitted she wants to keep the meal time/family time they have developed. She is grateful for the moments around the table.

I find myself grateful for dinner at home, a slower schedule, time to do what I need to do with time leftover to do what I want to do, more quality time with Dave and lots of time with the grands. I am grateful!

While not all experiences should be carried into the next season, I believe gratitude is one we want to not only keep, but foster.

Has slowing down produced gratitude in you? What can you take with you from this season?

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-20