I think most of us will be happy to see 2020 in our rear view mirror. It has been a year unlike any other we have ever seen in a long time. Everyone of us can make a stinky laundry list of the many disappointments, losses, frustrations, and irritations we have experienced.
This year has brought illness, death, devastation, looting, rage and lockdowns to many cities. In Nashville, we have seen a tornado, a windstorm that knocked out power for days, protests, public schools being closed due to Covid, and to top it off a shocking explosion in our downtown on Christmas morning. It's hard not to be cranky, depressed, and sad when times are difficult.
Many have experienced the loss of a loved one due to Covid-19, others have lost a business, a job, a home. Loss has been beyond imaginable for many and financial assistance is lacking for those out of work.
As I began to write, I wondered what I could say that might help us think differently in the coming year. We know these words, but do we live by these three words? We are blessed to live in the United States. We have freedoms and opportunities that many living in around the world don't have and yet this year has been filled with discord and strife, anger and hatred toward one another. How is it that the anger, rage and hate speech continues to grow?
It could be because they're the group that keeps yelling. God has called us to love one another....he didn't say it would be easy...its easy to love the lovable...not so much for the irritable and the angry. So many Americans are hurting this year. There are many out of work, unable to pay rent, or those simply trying to keep a business open. Have you reached out to help anyone lately? If more of us did reach out, I believe we would see a change in our country. What can you do with Gratitude, Grace and Generosity. I have faith that when we are selfless and practice kindness, outreach and charity in the most difficult of times, we will make a difference. As we reach out to help those who are in need, then our actions will be the voice that brings us together with a more powerful message of love than the voices of hate and discord.
I know from my own experience the joy I feel when I have extended my hand to help others. It is a win-win experience for both sides. God has called us to care for our fellow man so let's try and step up to His plan. We the People are the only ones who can make a difference in our country. Look around to see how you can make a difference in your neighborhood with your Generosity by providing assistance to someone out of work. Do your best to show Grace when faced with hatred or adversity, and finally have Gratitude for the freedoms we have in our United States of America.
Gratitude = appreciation, respect, thankfulness, return a kindness
“Always be rejoicing. Give thanks for everything.”— 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18
Grace = courtesy, civility, politeness, kindness
"Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done."— Ephesians 4:32
Generosity = unselfishness, kindness, lack of prejudice, goodness, charity, doing good
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."— Hebrews 13:16
Thanks to you all who have subscribed to my blog. My prayer is for you to experience a glorious New Year filled with the three G's.