This year has not gone the way that I planned. But it probably hasn't gone the way for all of you either right? There are many things that I miss such as traveling, dining out, getting together with friends, going to church and breathing freely without a mask. But I realized that the core things, the things I can't live without, the things I appreciate and love the most, I was able to get in abundance. Through the confinement, disappointment and loss, there is still much to be thankful for.
1. FAITH
Throughout this crazy year where things were so unexpected and we can never plan for anything before state and county restrictions change it, I was thankful that God never changes. He is always the same: faithful, loving and true. Knowing God gives us Hope. Hope for a better future. He is always there for us. We just need to go to Him. And Trust Him. As we embark on a new endeavor (Matthew starting his own business January 5), we have great faith that God will provide for our family in all that we need.
We have made new friends at a new church (gracechurchfremont.org) and have been encouraged through the friendships and challenged through the sermons. Matthew and I have also been meeting with our former pastor weekly as he teaches us how to interpret and understand God's Word which has been an enlightening experience!
2. FAMILY
I don't think the four of us have spent so much time together under one roof ever! Working at home; schooling at home, eating all our meals at home.. HOME is where our heart is at and that is so true. I am thankful that both of my girls had virtual schooling this semester. Both were able to finish well academically and Emily also tutored her sister when needed. She also had the time to help me with some graphic design projects and start her own small business: dustbunniesandco on Etsy.
Even though we have not seen our extended family as often as we would have liked, I am thankful that everyone is safe and healthy and local.
And ZOOM gives us the opportunity to connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime. We have reconnected with family in Hong Kong, Vancouver, Washington, New York, SoCAL and throughout the Bay Area.
3. FRIENDS
As I miss connection with others outside of my family, the pandemic does not prohibit you from connecting with others. I reconnected with my high school friends; friends I worked with 30 years ago in advertising and in teaching; and friends from the first church I attended in Oakland when I was single! And when SIP guidelines eased, I squeezed in a few in-person meetings a few times with old and new friends.
4. FOOD
I have not cooked this much in my life! Matthew got me a Ninja air-fryer and I put it and my InstaPot to work! I so appreciate the ease that both appliances offer in making quick and tasty dishes. My most intricate was making beef pho in the Instapot,
5. FITNESS
I am so thankful for the MOTR to keep me active at home. With the daily Pilates Zoom classes, I had the opportunity to continue working out with some great instructors and even more awesome friends. We have not seen each other in person since March but I am so thankful we can see each other early each morning at 7am on the TV!
6. FOSTERING
In the 9-1/2 months that we have been SIPing, Emily had the opportunity to foster eight more bunnies and was able to write for House Rabbit Society's (where she gets the rabbits to foster) bi-annual journal. We are thankful for the opportunity to care for these creatures many of whom had illness' or injuries that they were healing from when we cared for them. All of them have been adopted into forever families except our current bun, Crimson (pictured lower right). One of the best rewards of fostering is to be in contact with the adopters! We love seeing how their buns are doing in their new homes! You can follow Emily's bunnies on IG@fosterbunnymama
As you reflect on the past year, I hope that you find many things you are thankful for and know that God exists, He loves you and has a plan for you.
