When the cancellations first started, the homebody in me didn’t mind too much. I’ve been saying to Jeff for months that I wish I could just press the pause button and suspend all of the activities and busyness for a little while. Well, this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind! My oldest son, Marshall, expressed it well last night. He said something the effect of, “I was pretty excited when school was canceled for a couple of weeks, but now it’s not so great. I miss being able to see my friends and climb at the gym.” And I know what he’s saying. I wish I could pick and choose what was canceled or closed and keep my favorite things.
Life for me feels pretty normal. My work is done from home and primarily online, so I’m used to being home a lot and connecting with my team and customers/followers/clients on the phone, video conferences, and through writing. So, the biggest change for me is having everyone else home and nowhere to go.
That means I’m interrupted more when I’m trying to get things done. It means that I’ve had to surrender my office and work solely from my studio, so Jeff has a place to set up shop. It means that the kitchen is open all day, the dishes pile up, and there is a little more mess to clean up at the end of each day. It means just a little more bickering from two boys who are ready for more variety in their company.
But it also means we’re not rushing off to the next thing on our schedule. We have the time to cook dinners together and sit around the table to eat. It means we’re playing games and going on family walks together to get some exercise and fresh air. And even though fear about the uncertain future and the virus itself sometimes bubbles up, especially if I read too much news, I am so thankful for this time.
I’m thankful for the lessons we’re all learning about pulling together as a family.
I’m thankful for the evenings at home, sitting around the table, laughing and playing games.
I’m thankful for the desire to waste less and produce more.
I’m thankful that we have a home that feels like a sanctuary at a time when it needs to be exactly that.
I’m thankful that the rhythm of caring for our animals gives us a sense of normalcy along with an excuse to go outside regularly and be still so a cat can settle on our lap.
I’m thankful for all of the technology that keeps us connected with family and friends and our church body.
I’m thankful that we’ve been able to get everything we need, especially the insulin and supplies to care for Calvin.
I’m thankful for a deeper appreciation of little things, like cake flour being in stock and the varying colors of fresh local eggs.
I’m thankful for hobbies to keep my mind and hands busy.
I’m thankful that we can still enjoy sunshine and fresh air.
I’m thankful for family walks and a warmer-than-usual Minnesota spring.
I’m thankful for friends who have sent texts to check-in.
I’m thankful that we saved and planned for emergencies and tough times.
I’m thankful that this won’t last forever.
It’s only a season.
And I hope that I come out the other side of all of this retaining these feelings of gratitude.
I hope I’m content with less and see value in more.
I hope I bake a loaf of banana bread, so I don’t waste browning bananas and don’t worry so much about the calories.
I hope I always thank the person who checks me out at the grocery store for being there that day.
I hope I count every egg as precious.
What are you thankful for?
I think you said it well. Thank you!
You and your positive thoughts and your open heart – that is one of the things I’m thankful for.
Thank you for the reminders!
I’m thankful for my life and my family. I’m thankful for the warmth of the sunshine today, the fresh air and also all the signs of spring. I’m thankful that I don’t have the virus and my family members remain healthy.
I am thankful to still have a job and feel awful for those without income due to closures. I am thankful to be able to work for a company that is doing all they can to help those in need (med device production). I am thankful that I can put my head and heart to good use by thinking of others as much as possible and helping them out whenever I can. I am thankful my family and friends are healthy. I am thankful I have much to be thankful for.
I have seen all sides of things. Grateful for the time to create as an Artist, Blogger and Teacher. I am also a grocery store clerk to help make ends meet …I have seen the bad….and the really good in people during this time. I have also learned to be present with Him in a moment I am not feeling so pleasant. I know there is a reason for everything and a purpose. so grateful and thankful.
I’m thankful that we are safe and have everything we need!
I am thankful for my husband and son who are home with me now. We are teachers so we are trying to teach online from home. We are thankful to have one another and our 2 dogs, plenty of food, a warm home, hobbies, books, friends to text with, medications for my husband and my diabetes, to still be getting paychecks, and most of all for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who will be with us through all of this uncertainty!
I am thankful for the silver lining. This interlude is affording me the opportunity to catch up on so many things. Having had the most horrendous few years and last year being so
Poorly I could just about go to work as no income if I don’t, not even washing or getting out of bed on the weekends because I was just so poorly. Now I’m using this time to spend my energy getting the house straight and doing all the stuff I just couldn’t do. When we get through this I will be in a better place in my environment and ready for a new world. We will never be the same. My hopes and wishes are that it has afforded us the opportunity to slow down. To smell the flowers and appreciate what we do
Have x
Thankful for my family’s health, a roof over our head, food on the table and not having to worry where the next meal is coming from – like you, having the time to allow my sweet kitten to sleep on my lap —friends and family checking in, agree with Heidi it will never be the same – and that is turning into a blessing also! thanks for reminding us all how blessed we are
Thankful for this post! Yes, I, too am thanking the grocery store workers, medical workers and pharmacists, etc. when I go out, for showing up everyday instead of hiding out at home like so many of us have been ordered (and perhaps grateful) to do.
Thankful for insurance and no break in the supply chain for our necessary meds. Thankful for a roof over our heads, food on the table, church family, relatives and friends all checking in with each other; strangers being more kind (I haven’t experienced any nastiness yet); services such as trash pick-up, utilities, etc. still running; so many things to be thankful for, and the best of all, salvation in and fellowship with Christ.
I am thankful for the time together with my family, and I am so grateful to have everything we need in including our health. I am also so thankful for the planet beginning to heal and the human race coming together and realizing all the beautiful things that can come out of this disastrous situation. Stay safe, live and love everyday?
Yes, what others have said. A post like this is such a breath of fresh air! Thank you for the reminders of all we still have to be thankful for, and of the silver linings to be found in this temporary trial. I love this: “I’m thankful that we have a home that feels like a sanctuary at a time when it needs to be exactly that.” Couldn’t agree more.
I’m thankful for God and knowing that he is there in everything.; I can turn to Him anytime day or night. I’m thankful for strong leadership in our country. I’m thankful for my husband, children and grandchildren who ask to FaceTime us. I’m so thankful for my good health, especially since I am in the at risk age in life. I’m thankful for long walks with my hubby at night and sweet friends. I’m thankful that we still have plenty of provisions.
Thank you for this post. I am thankful for so much right now. I don’t have children so my life is slower anyway. I was unemployed before this happened and am so thankful for my husbands pension. I am thankful for our home and the property it sits on that allows us to get outside do yard work and enjoy some air. I am also thankful that my brother, his wife and my niece and nephew are home safe and I pray they stay symptom free.
Amen Marian!!!I know these are scary times,but we do need to do all you said.Our society has gotten out of hand.I am 72 years old, and cannot believe what this world seems to value.I am so glad I found your blog a couple of years ago.You make every day a little brighter.I love your sweet spirit.
As we go through these times, may we slow down and be thankful for everything and everyone.
Love all your projects, and also hearing about your family.Loved reading about your trip to Italy with your Mom. It’s people like you who give us hope.
Hope to follow you for many more years.
ps. Wish I had learned to crochet from my mother.My fingers will not cooperate now.Love seeing the things that you create.
I give praise for the job I have and the PEOPLE I work for, Thankful that they believed in me and ALL God has provided for me.
Lovely post Marion, Well said.
Agreed … very well said. I hope everyone stays safe & well.
I agree that you said it all so very well. And you have caused me to sit on this beautiful sunny afternoon to reflect for myself the many things I am thankful for ….today.
As you spoke of your home being your sanctuary, I have breathed out my thanks to God for that very thing many times this week. We are in the midst of a kitchen remodel…one that has been put on hold due to many things of late, including the virus, yet we still eat daily from my makeshift kitchen (good things, I might add!), and when my husband retreats from his makeshift office in our guest bedroom, we still can grab each other by the hand and take a walk through the neighborhood…to remind us again that God is in control.
And like you, my work is mostly from home, yet I do miss getting out among others, and styling spaces for their delight. You have inspired me to create some amazing things at home during this time….including quiet for my soul. Thank you.
I agree. I live in Southern New Mexico. My friends and I have said we are very lucky to live in a warm sunny place with a backyard where we can get out in the sun and enjoy that. We are all artists. We are thankful for that to have a diversion. I am lucky I have plenty of paint and was able to order watercolor paper online. It will be delivered today. We are all lucky to have the Internet, Netflix and telephones. Not like WWII when there was no metal and rationed gas, and communication was slow. Stay healthy.
Thank you! I lived in Plymouth Minnesota for two years. My mom was a rug artist and taught classes in our home there. Her name was Jean Tynan.
She also was an expert on antiques, vintage, painting techniques, refinishing, slipcovers, wallpapering, etc. so now that she’s gone, if I have a question that I would’ve asked her, I usually ask you! I search your site and usually find an explanation for what I need. So thanks!
Jayne Tynan McCabe
Jayne Tynan Design
We are thankful for the peace of knowing Who is in charge. Especially thankful for your bright posts and the posts of other ladies who give us their smiles even when it’s tough….
How are your parents and Jeff’s parents?
They are doing well! Jeff’s dad has his PhD in infectious diseases and was an epidemiologist for the NAVY, so he is the one to call to get an informed opinion about what’s going on. He’s been ahead of the game with ordering masks, etc. Both sets of parents are hunkered down at home.
For years I ended each day thinking of all the things I was grateful for. After going through some pretty dark times I started to begin each day that way as well. I noticed that starting my day that way gave my attitude such a boost.
These days can become pretty dark but I choose to fully appreciate the light. I am thankful for the lessons that the dark days of the past taught me.
Our town is pretty much shut down. I ordered gift cards from a local restaurant to help them during the shut down. We will give the gift cards to our garbage truck people and our recycling people next week. I look at it as a two for one. I want them to know how much we appreciate them.
I agree that it makes such a difference when you focus on gratitude. When I started going through the list (and there were so many more things that I didn’t write), the blessings far outweighed the anxieties.
What a thoughtful thing to do with the gift cards! Thanks for sharing!
I’m thankful I read this post. Agree that I’m more aware of waste and those serving me either in commerce or ministry. Also because I’m a homebody & work at home the biggest change has been so much time in the kitchen planning, making lists, shopping for meals then prepping groceries to actually come into the house, super cleaning it all and then fixing all 3 meals everyday. I’m thankful we finally found a OTC immune strengthener that works for our T1 D son. He lives in the county with the most cases of COVID 19 (0ver 500) & his business closed down 2 weeks ago so tomorrow he’s coming to with stay with us a while and I’m most thankful for that.
Thank you for a great post.
You talked about your home being a sanctuary for your family. Over the last many months, I felt the urge to change up my home so it more reflected my grandfather’s very European country home which I spent a great deal of time in while growing up. At the time, I had no idea why I was doing this. Now I know. What is needed most right now is a very comforting home and that is what I feel in mine. I can almost feel my relatives right there with me. My grandfather never had any money but he was rich in his faith in God. He didn’t have much to share but whatever he had, he freely shared with others. Most importantly, he shared his faith. I find all this very comforting in these days which I hope helps me share that comfort with others around me.
This was good to read. I’m sitting here working. I’m thankful I have a job I can do from home and an employer who sent us home a week before the Governor shut down the state. (Actually, I’m grateful for a Governor who shut us down really early. It’s working.) Although I do have to admit, the grass is always greener – as much as I’m grateful my paycheck is coming in normally, I wish I had all the free time my emails are talking about using to be creative!
I’m also grateful for a newly opened grocery store just down the street that appears to have the best supply line in town. They even have toilet paper.
I am thankful for you. And all the things you mentioned. My husband and I have been self quarantined for three weeks. We miss our daughters, grand children and great grandchildren. We are blessed. It is my belief that God has given us this pause in life to make our families stronger. We don’t have to worry about school, music lessons, sports or dance. We have been given the chance to enjoy and love our families.
Dear Marian; thanks for positive inspiration 🙂
Due to bad health I am used to stay at home for weeks and know how to fill my days with useful things even its a little thing everyday; I realy enjoy having my husband at home right now; we have more time to do things together and pray for other people. I am also used to do very long with not much groceries.
I am thankful for our beautiful cozy home and my neighbours (I live like most people in Germany in a familienhaus=familyhome with 8 other families who all look after each other) That my husband can do his work at home now(I gave him a place in my studio) all our friends and family, enough food etc. Thanks to our cat I get to walk our 7 stairs down and up 3 times a day so I get some movement for my legs and enjoy our shared garden. That our friends got a beautiful weddingservice in their livingroom which we and her family/friends got to see per Livestream.
I thank God that He keeps me calm amidst all the panic . I thank Him for that both my hubby and me have enough creative hobbies and material and books to keep us busy. I enjoy seeing people becoming more creative in all kinds of practical ways and see how they work together. I enjoy the one time a week walk in the park with my hubby in the sun seeing everything grow. I am so thankful we have a balcony on which we talk to each other neighbours or sit in the sun for lunch.
Marien, I’m thankful God gave us all you. I’m thankful you always remind me of to greatest gift of all, God’s unconditional Love. I’m thankful for your family as they make you as you are. And no matter what is going on we each have the gift and the power of Prayer. Last I’m so thankful that I have a Christian husband. Blessings always!
Beautiful! I was out for the first time in 2 weeks to the grocery store and I was so thankful that everyone was respectful of space and food was plentiful. My family has remained good and I am so grateful for their health.
Amen ansd Amen ?
I’m thankful for this email. 😉
That there is a silver lining in all this
for a beautiful soft light hydrangea blue sky and sunshine today although i know it can’t be that way everyday
I’m thankful for the paint store offering curb service
That my friends and neighbors are staying home and being safe
I’m thankful for all those who are at the check out stands, those on the front lines of this and their service
Thank You Lord Jesus for turning hearts to You during this time and not letting us ignore how grateful we are
I am thankful for this blog that inspires me and reminds me that this is a season and this too shall pass. Thankful for God’s message to us to take one day at a time. Thankful for my husband and helpmate and that we have enough food and medical supplies.
I am grateful for the one, who truly is in control. It surely didn’t take Him by surprise!!! I am grateful for my health and the ability to do the best I can. I can be cautious and carefully wash my hands and stay away from people…that is all I can do. I then leave the rest up to God. I trust He knows what is best for me. Psalm 46:10
I am thankful that I have your blog to read.
I am thankful for all you”ve said and more. But I wish you could come to my house and paint the same mural you have in your dining room in my small one. It is beautiful and relaxing.
For being alive!
I’m thankful…
for a God who loves us enough to get our attention with the desire to turn to Him, and for His children who point the way…
for the servants in our communities doing all they can in multiple venues…
for strong, compassionate leadership in government, ministry and community…
for the health and safety we possess, and the ability to hurt for those who are not as fortunate…
for friends and family and the reminder of how precious they are…
for the reminder that it could be worse: this is not a hurricane or a tornado…we still have electricity and water, and this is not listeria…we still have Blue Bell ice cream. God bless us all.
Thank you for reminding me of all the things I have to be thankful for. I am safe and warm as are both my adult children and their children. I am thankful for my daughter who lives an hour away who offered to go to the store for me and is sending us masks for if we need to go out. I am thankful for the great love we all have for each other; for my twin grandbabies and my other 2 boys. For my Netflix et al and my hobbies and my friends. Your are an admirable person.
So beautifully said.
Thank you for those amazing thoughts and words. ???✨
In South Africa we are at the start of a 21 day total lockdown. We are not able to leave our homes. Our daughter is a Doctor in the Trauma Unit of a local hospital. We are grateful that she can be part of providing a much needed service but also ask for prayers that she be kept safe and well. Love and Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you Marian. I too am thankful for this time. I am thankful I live in a rural area on 5 acres where I can go out and walk around my property and enjoy nature. I am thankful I have a job where I can work from home. I am thankful that my son and daughter-in-law live with us and we all get along fine. I am thankful that I have all the supplies I need and have been cooking more (Banana Bread too). I am thankful that we have a big garage where my husband and son can go out and tinker on their cars with all this “spare” time. I am thankful for all the bloggers that I follow (including you) as I don’t always have the time to read and enjoy the posts. I am also very thankful that we and our friends and family are healthy.
Stay safe. We will all get through this.
You said it all. I sat last night in my swing and watched my 3 boxers run around like children, it brought back memories of my 2 sons doing the same. Thank you for your time to write and give us an uplifting message. God had given us one of his children.
Thank you for a great post. You hit the nail on the head. I am a home body too and at first didn’t notice too much about it, but right now I have a new born grandson very near by that I cannot hold and cuddle. I am thankful that I have a daughter in law that posts pictures of him often so I get to at least see him. I am thankful for modern technology because one of out grandsons was baptized out of state a week ago and we could attend remotely. I am thankful for friends and family that check in with me from time to time to make sure that I am ok. I am thankful for a husband who still goes off to work at the hospital to care for the computer systems without which no hospital can operate. I am thankful that no one I know has gotten sick and pray for those who have. I am thankful for the fact that even though we are quarantined, we are in our homes and have clean water and plenty to eat. I am thankful that I have this time to catch up on projects and learning new skills. I am most of all grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who has given us this time to reconnect with our families and even ourselves.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to catch up with friends that we don’t normally talk to except maybe once a year! Whether it’s phone, FaceTime, texting or emailing……..it’s ALL GOOD!!! Blessings abound in little ways……..we have a dear friend who had a heart transplant about 6 years ago………in the midst of this virus episode we’ve been able to catch up with him and his wife more than normal. We’re thankful for the little things!
Very well said! I, too, have worked from home for years and am a homebody, so the adjustment has not been as hard for me. I am thankful for all that you mentioned and think of the hospital staffs and first responders and how exhausted and stressed they must feel and to the families that have lost love ones with such sudden, painful heartbreak. Our staying home is a worthwhile sacrifice. I think this is a good time for all of us to go back to enjoying the more simple things and planning ahead and saving for rainy days, much like our parents did during their lifetimes and we did while growing up.
THANK YOU ❤️
You are a breath of fresh air
You have reminded me of what is important.
Loved your post
God bless you
I’m thankful for my family’s health (my daughter is an Rn) and the fact that we have food, shelter and everything we need. My husband and I work at Toyota so we’re both off work for a month (for now). We’re converting our carpeted staircase to hard wood during this time. I’m praying for everyone who still has to go to work, our leaders in government and people who are sick. Also that this pandemic will change everyone for the better and help us realize that everything affects everybody all the time.I hope when this is over, people appreciate nature, health and others more than ever. I’m so thankful that my home is my sanctuary (you played a big part in that!), and I’m content to spend a lot of time in it!!! I’m so glad you have the insulin you need for your son. ?
Thank you so much for writing and sharing your home and thoughts! I too have enjoyed the time at home to catch up and work on things I’ve felt behind on, time with my kids and husband. And even having this blog to talk about something other than (or because of) the virus “here’s what I’m doing”. It gets hard to see /talk about/hear about it all the time. I’m thankful that I’m in the company of others who are living through uncertainty with me. I’m thankful for His provision in the uncertainty!
Thankful for YOU, and all you do for the rest of us out here….
Thank you so much for this post. It’s so odd how we can find blessings in this difficult time. I’m catching up on your blog today while I sit here with my son watching “Wicked Tuna” (OMW, I can’t believe he got me hooked on this show-hahaha) . It’s just the two of us at home right now, and I am thankful for this time as he was supposed to get married in NY in May. Plans change, so I have a few more months with him, my “baby” of my 2 boys. We know this time was foretold in the scriptures, but in an odd way, it is a time to grow and strengthen our faith and be ready for the next phase!
Best,
Tracie
I’m thankful for my children. One is a nurse, one in law enforcement and one a farmer! I am thankful that I am here to enjoy some extra time with my granddaughters and can come up with one more thing to keep them from being “bored”!! I have started a new hobby of making sourdough and I’m still trying to teach myself to crochet!! I am also thankful for many of the same things you are but you have said it so much better. Thank you.