How to Become Thankful: Let Your World Stop Turning
February 17, 2020…my birthday. My last year of being 40 something was going to be this coming year. I truly could not believe it – and still cannot. Where has the time gone? To be completely honest, I wasn’t pondering the deep philosophical truths associated with aging, life lessons learned, living each day to the fullest or “Live Like You Were Dying”, as Tim McGraw would say. I actually felt like death warmed over, as I was sick with a nasty sinus infection that had infiltrated my plans to receive the only gift I wanted that could not be bought – a weekend at the beach with my family. This was all just a part of normal life, right? Little did I know, however, how quickly “normal” life could change.
Fast forward into March, when we really started to hear the term “Coronavirus”, but we were still blissfully ignorant about the impact that this invisible enemy was going to have on our lives in just a few short weeks. Fast forward a bit more, and our world just stopped. It reminds me of that poignant song that Alan Jackson penned after 9/11, “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning”. When the pause button was pressed for me, I knew I had a choice. I could approach this period of uncertainty in an emotion focused way, which would likely lead to more fear and anxiety. Alternatively, I could take a problem focused approach – asking what I could do in light of these challenges. I chose to be problem focused…
There are many things I have chosen to focus on, rather than the terrible news that WILL pass. I want to be a help to others. I have focused on writing – like never before. I have gained so much enjoyment from this blog, and I am writing a book – something I have always wanted to do (I’m on chapter two, y’all)! I set up a natural light studio in my home, and I have mastered my new full frame camera – making me ready to capture more great sessions when all of this is over. I am taking even more advanced photography classes – because I can always learn more to better serve you, right? I am enjoying continuing to serve the Lord through singing for streamed services, and I am loving having access to more teaching through the content that is being delivered online. I think about this slow down, and as I remember, “In everything, give thanks” I Thes. 5:18, please understand I am not celebrating why the world stopped turning, but I can be thankful in the pause.
Blessings ~
Lisa