This year has proven to be challenging for all of us which in and of itself is unique in that worldwide we are feeling the same pain. It would be easy to slip into self-pity, brood about better days, or become paralyzed by fear of what the future holds. ‘Covid Blessing’ may even sound like an oxymoron, yet God has called us to give thanks in every situation. When we are thankful, our eyes are lifted to the Supreme One who has a sovereign plan that He is orchestrating for His glory and our good.

In this Season of Thankfulness, several members of the Mission Office staff shared what they found to be thankful for even during a global pandemic. May you bring to your Thanksgiving table a heart of gratitude for all of the blessings that you and your family have received this year.

Pam – I’m thankful for the extra family time we have had together. When we had to “stay at home” in the beginning, we had the chance to take more walks together, and the pace of life slowed down for a while. I’m thankful for God’s care and provision for us, even when going through covid.

Steve – We have had extra time with family, extra time to reflect as to how God protects and provides, extra time to see, consider and pray for the needs of others.

Carole – We’ve been able to take advantage of the extra time at home by doing some nice updates to our home like painting walls, updating flooring, rearranging/replacing furniture, etc. — things we always wanted to to do, but were just too “busy” to do them. Loving our new updates.

Mike D – Eating lunch on the tailgate of my truck with friends because we can’t go inside!

Kim – I have learned some new recipes. My family eats around the table more often. We have purchased bikes which we use for free entertainment (and exercise)! We value simple times together much more.

Brian – While Covid has completely devastated my family I guess the blessing could be that it only took my mom and not both of my parents.

Jill – It has been a great opportunity to demonstrate and receive Acts of Kindness. Receiving a stimulus check was a big blessing! My church has been able to share the gospel through technology to thousands of people. It has been a vivid reminder that the Lord is coming soon!

Craig – There is no question that COVID-19 has brought many challenges but it has also given us many new opportunities to show the world the love of Jesus in very real and tangible ways like never before. In this season especially, I’m thankful for every believer that has met these challenges head on with love, generosity, patience and self-control.

Tiffany – It has forced me to slow down and be thankful for the time I get to spend with my family and friends.

Wendi – I am thankful to spend more time with my family, especially my college-age son.

Vicki – We like to say we were “stuck” at home. Not being able to leave the house due to the pandemic turned out to be a blessing in some ways and one way in particular. I began to enjoy the comforts of home and realized how blessed I am to have a safe and comfortable place of refuge to go to when other places outside those walls might not be safe. Then God spoke to my heart and reminded me that He is our refuge & strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 A friend shared this quote on Facebook “To have a place to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing”. I am blessed to have both and I thank God from whom all blessings flow!

Kena – This pandemic has allowed me to disconnect from social media, and the negative news, and enjoy more family time or a good book. I also find it comforting to know that businesses are taking more time to sanitize. Who doesn’t love how technology has helped employees work from home? Or better yet helped equip churches with the ability to stream their services when they were forced to close their doors?

Anonymous – This has been a great time to reflect and recount how GREAT our God is! He is always faithful and His mercies are new each day.

Mike E – Churches are now so much more capable of streaming the good news of Jesus Christ. After being married for 14 years, I had my third child and first son, Hudson. And the Chiefs won the Superbowl!