Every morning I try to take a moment and document things I am thankful for from the previous 24 hours. It has been a practice for many years and helps me to put my head in a place of gratitude to start the day. However, during this unique time in history, I have found a pattern to my recorded thankful moments. Two themes that seem to resonate day after day. These events have been integral to helping me get through the emotional roller coaster of recent weeks. My hope is that they may help you as well.
The first one is creativity. Having been in isolation since March 13th as have many of you, I have found that I have long hours that need to be filled with more than eating and watching Netflix and the Hallmark Channel- although those along with The Andy Griffith Show have provided many hours of comfort. What I find myself thankful for are the moments when I have surprisingly exercised long dormant creativity muscles.Where I did not take the time before, it has brought a special peace to find ways to be creative. Perhaps some of these ideas could spark some creative comfort for you. Also, I would love to hear of the creative things you are doing! Some things I have tried are:
- Coloring (just putting color on paper has been soothing for me)
- Writing (putting thoughts and feeling to paper is also relaxing)
- Making up praise songs and singing aloud
- Creating my own exercise program to the oldies. Yesterday’s was to The Monkees and today I will dance to REO Speedwagon
- Solving unique organization problems like how to store necklaces so I can see them and easily pick one to go with an outfit when we can get out again. Yea!
- Drawing posters- very big deal for me as a self-proclaimed non-artist- turns out I can create better than I thought.
- Future projects include: drawing to sermons and praise songs, learning to sew (masks) and playing a keyboard.
- Taking a photography or other classes online (Creative Live allows one free class a day and I have really enjoyed the ones I have taken)
The second theme that has reoccurred again and again in my gratitude journal concerns connections with others. I am grateful my husband comes home in the evenings, however, I have always been a social person and enjoy people, so being alone all day and not seeing family or friends has brought into crystal clarity how soul-enriching those connections to others truly are. These are some of the creative ways dear loved ones have found to reach out and connect. I am so thankful. They include:
- Simple “hello” phone calls are awesome (who would have thought the phone call would go back to being so valuable)
- Check in texts
- FaceTime- Yay! Those faces of loved family and friends- Joy!
- Emails (just received a heart-full email from a friend- I have not heard from in a long time- so fun)
- A special Beans and Brew treat from quarantine angel family members left on my front porch. Even better was their cute faces in the window and the chance to blow kisses. Thank you, Angels!
- Fresh strawberries left at my door with a note, “I miss you berry much” brought deep-touching thankfulness (had not had strawberries since March and they tasted better that chocolate cake with ice cream) Such love! Thank you.
- Shared prayer- Shared praise! Such a gift!
- Fantastic tips, videos, book suggestions, new songs, Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, etc. Connection comforts all of them.
- Virtual lunches with precious friends
- Fifth grade math lessons that teach me more than I teach my grandson- so much fun
Finally, the connection of all comfort comes from increased time to spend with the Father of Peace. I am grateful for a time to be more still and focus on the presence of my Savior. Truly the greatest connection I have ever known.
Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort: “Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
May God bless and comfort you. May He keep you safe and healthy. My love to you all. Amen
sonflowersandsoul.wordpress.com 
As always, you are turning a negative into a positive. I can’t believe how creative you have been and reached outside your comfort zone. It inspired me to try something besides eating and cleaning. You are such an amazing friend and example. Love you.
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Thank you so much for being the wonderful friend you are! I appreciate you and am grateful for your example as well.
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