by Leisa Parsons, Area Media Specialist
2020 has arguably been the most unique year in our collective lifetimes. You just have to look at the various “2020” social media memes ranging from toilet paper shortages, the quarantine and harried homeschool moms to realize we’ve laughed and struggled through 2020. My personal favorite, which ended up on my letter board: “Hindsight has petitioned to no longer be referred to as 2020.”
I asked around: What is something that you are particularly grateful for that is unique to 2020? Aubrey Buchei from the LaCantera Stake’s Fair Oaks Ward said: “As heartbreaking as it was to have my husband laid off due to the pandemic, I’m so unbelievably grateful he was home to help me with virtual schooling!”
Buchei exemplifies what Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught. He said: “It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?
“Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.” (April 2014)
Jana Hilton, from the North Stake’s Sonterra Ward said: “COVID has helped me feel more gratitude in all circumstances. In 2019 I spent weeks and even months helping three daughters and their families when they brought new babies into the world, supporting my mother through a very difficult surgery and recovery process, and caring for my disabled father. Because of the miracle of air travel, I was able to support my loved ones who lived far away. Because of COVID, the year 2020 has been completely different. While I have not been able to physically be with my loved ones as much this year, we have found other meaningful and happy ways to connect. I have also been able to focus on projects at home, some of them with my husband, that have brought fulfillment and joy. COVID has reminded me to seize the moment and look for the good that can spring from adversity.”
Megan Rulewicz, from the West Stake’s Helotes Ward heads up the dance department at UTSA. She said: “I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to take dance classes from incredible dancers and instructors from all over the world without having to leave my home.”
Matita Charlton, of the North Stake’s Deerfield ward said: “My prayers became more meaningful and powerful. When I realized there was no where to go, no available ‘experts’ with answers during this pandemic. I realized only Christ alone has ALL the answers, and I learned how to ask and really trust that only HE can answer me.”
Sixteen year-old Caitlyn Roher, from Cibolo Valley Stake’s Cibolo Ward, said “I think for me, it’s been extra time with family. We’ve been able to spend more time together, especially when the kids weren’t at school. I feel like I’ve gotten a little bit closer to my siblings, which has been really nice.
Debbie Walker, from the North Stake’s Balcones Heights Ward said, “We have loved having more time together to explore the local trails, rivers, neighborhoods and parks and to serve at the Church peanut farm. We have found that Covid has provided the perfect opportunity to do more (together) by doing less of the busy day to day activities that kept us so occupied pre-Covid. It has been a joy playing and working together. A family that sweats together sticks together.”
For me, virtual and now homeschool has been one of my greatest blessings. I have been able to have my grandchildren, who live in the Killeen area, visit several times and bonus: I can handle second grade math!
During President Russell M. Nelson’s recent invitation and counsel to the world he taught that “Counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems.” This rings true with so many that have found the positive in COVID.