Opinion: Striving to feel blessed for Thanksgiving
The year 2020 had its rough patches and looking to the next six weeks, one can only hope that 2021 will be a vast improvement.
Eventually the President of the United States will be determined and, hopefully, a peaceful transition will ensue. After all the turmoil the last four years, I’m hoping President Trump has the opportunity to finish the work he started. Regular readers of this rant know how I feel about the left-wing system that is the Biden/Harris machine. As the vernacular goes, enough said!
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This week, my husband had a quiet birthday. He isn’t one to enjoy celebrations, and if I were to force a birthday party, he would be unhappy and refuse to attend. He’ll be less than pleased with my writing here about him and his special day. He hasn’t changed in 45 years and it is foolish to think he would do so now. I pick my battles and making him enjoy his birthday, is not one of them. Our wedding anniversary is close at hand. More on that next week.
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California and Madera residents have more difficult times ahead. The governor is shutting down most of the state, again, and is considering a 10 p.m. curfew. Things can always get worse and its extreme hubris to believe otherwise. His actions are unconstitutional and will be challenged in the courts. As the saying goes, stay tuned.
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The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is next. With a problematic year, we still have reasons to be thankful. The Lord continues to bless us. However, the governor has broadcasted strict orders for scaled back holiday get-togethers. Under the authority of the state and the California Department of Public Health a manifesto titled “Guidance for the Prevention of COVID-19 Transmission for Gatherings,” has been issued.
These mandates address how many other households, number of guests and length of time for gatherings. The CDPH has determined that Madera County is in its purple tier. That is the highest danger color for the scale.
The list of directives reads in part: All persons planning to host or participate in a private gathering must comply with the requirements identified … Activities protected by the First Amendment may proceed under this guidance notwithstanding any (other) guidance, orders, or directives to the contrary. Local health jurisdictions may be more restrictive than this guidance. Refer to your local authorities for what is allowed in your area, they said. Visit the complete document at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs
These orders address our constitutional rights and the possibility of the violation therein.
Still we have been granted blessings this year. Enjoy the good things you have and help the less fortunate.
“I cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet!” Mom said often.
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Recent rain aided the fire crews with the formidable task of extinguishing the fires. Year to date 4,197,628 acres have been lost in California, according to Cal Fire.
Bless the kindness of everyday Americans who are generously coming to distribution events. Thank you for giving out boxes of groceries, clothes and blankets to people in need. Bless those who provide these supplies.
Be thankful for your family who are working to feed, clothe and house loved ones during this precious season.
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Ironically, gasoline prices have fallen this year, while we are ordered to shelter in our homes. Attempts to shut down places of worship had limited success. The dedicated children of God are keeping Jesus Christ (or other deities) in their homes and hearts as others try to stop all faithful worship services.
We have lost too many of God’s children to illnesses this year including the Coronavirus. The scientific community has worked long and hard developing better testing methods. Some viable vaccines to fight the virus are promised to be close at hand.
Family gatherings are still being discouraged, especially during the Thanksgiving weekend. Many people are struggling to feed their families. Average citizens with little to spare help those with even less. That is such a blessing. Many affluent Americans are helping too. Service clubs, first responders, schools, churches and others are digging deep to provide support to the less fortunate among us. There are plenty of stories of people helping other people.
Wear a mask and practice social distancing wherever possible.
Long days and pleasant nights. Have a blessed weekend.
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Readers may contact Tami Jo Nix by emailing tamijonix@gmail.com or following @TamiJoNix on Twitter.
