In four short weeks we will arrive at year’s end.  Most of us will be glad to put 2020, and all that it brought with it, behind us.  The prospects for 2021 look promising.  A vaccine that will begin to control a virus that has controlled us;  a new President who, at this juncture, seems intent on uniting our nation, and the opportunity to once again shake hands, hug, and socialize with family and friends.  At the same time, the challenges associated with the past year served to bring out the best in us. …

“Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, 

but the parent of all virtues.”

                                               –  Cicero

How was your Thanksgiving?  The travel, social distancing and other constraints we faced this holiday certainly compromised our ability to gather with family and friends to celebrate.  Likewise, many traditional activities such as football games, parades, and Black Friday shopping sprees went by the wayside.  Regardless, I’m still hoping that you were able to enjoy it, and that you took a moment to think about all for which you should be grateful. …

Almighty God, be near to us. 

When we are in darkness, help us find the light.  

When we are uncertain, offer us guidance. 

When we are afraid, give us courage. 

Lord, we give you thanks for all of that is good.

We pray for your help with that which burdens our hearts.

We ask that you comfort those who have lost a loved one, 

Give strength to those fighting this illness, and

Accept the gratitude from those who have remained safe and healthy. …

“In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning.”                                                                             – Viktor Frankl, Following WWI it was known as “Shell Shock”, and after WWII it was referred to “Combat Fatigue”.  Today we call it Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and it doesn’t just happen to combat veterans.  PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event with death, injury, violence or natural disaster.  Prior to COVID it was estimated that PTSD affected approximately 3.5% of US adults each year, however a CDC study conducted in April revealed rates of anxiety and depression to be as high as 35%, with a warning that the pandemic may increase rates of post-traumatic stress disorder.

…

It is during our darkest moments,

That we must focus to see the light!

                                                                                  – Aristotle

As I write this morning, I can’t help but be concerned with how the rest of the world perceives what is happening in our country.  From a political perspective, I’m old enough to remember a time when the manner in which our nation conducted itself during its political campaigns, elections and subsequent transition of leadership, was a testament to the democratic process.  It set the gold standard by which elections in other countries were measured. …