Gosh, here we are, 8 months (8!!!) since we stopped in person meetings at St. Johns. And the reported increases in infection rates makes it seem like we are getting further from “normal” instead of closer. Thanksgiving is full of time with family and friends and oodles of good food, but for many now, probably not.

Gah! Is there anything we can possibly be thankful about?

The appropriate Council President answer is yes – we can always be thankful for the love and forgiveness and grace we receive from Jesus. It is always there for us, in good times and bad, when life is full or roses and especially when it’s full of thorns.

The less presidential answer is, when times are so weird, we can also be thankful for the opportunity to throw the rules out. Pizza for Thanksgiving if you feel like it. Chocolate cake instead of pumpkin pie (note to Auld family: we can have both). Eat dinner in your pajamas (unless you are already doing this J). Have multiple small Thanksgivings instead of one big one. Get the extended family on zoom and put the laptop on the table so you can be together at least electronically.

Do your best to not let the anxiety about the virus steal your joy. And pray, pray, pray that all those who are suffering, in big and small ways, can find joy too.

As always, if you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at council.president@sjlc.com.

p.s. – Have you heard about the live manger animals coming to the Children’s Christmas Eve Service? A camel even! I can’t wait!