January 2022 - LPNI

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January 2022

LPNI Devotion

Unseen Blessings?

Whew! What a year! Actually it’s been a couple of years that we have just had. How many of us thought that all the “issues” surrounding COVID would have long since passed by now, and that travel would be back to normal, masks and social distancing would be minimized, people would be less wary and cranky, and so on It occurs to me that, when left to our own thoughts, situations, relationships, work environs, and more, we could have real trouble recognizing our blessings.

Some of us may have had serious health issues. Some may have had poor relationship issues. Some may have experience financial disasters. Some may have had downward spiraling spiritual issues of doubts and fears. Yet despite, and because of, the issues we have encountered, we truly have overcome many issues solely by the grace of God.

I have facilitated grief support groups, and one hallmark of each group is that things will never go back to the “old normal”. So, it is with moving forward into 2022 and dealing with the continued restrictions and latest information concerning the COVID virus. Masks will be part of our wardrobe, as well as the fear that one has contracted the virus with every sniffle, sneeze, being out of breath, temperature elevation, etc.

Let us take another look at some blessings we may not have acknowledged. Oh my, there are so many!

We are still children of the Heavenly Father and assured of an eternal home, no matter what.

The miracle of pregnancy, birth, and baptism continues and is not stopped by COVID.
The affectional bonds in many families have been strengthened. Face-to-face communication, hugs, and touch have become so very important.
The methods of our work may have changed, but we still have jobs.
We may have relocated, but we still have homes.
We may have lost loved ones to death, but the memories that we have cannot be taken away from us.
We may have an increase in doubt, confusion, even anxiety, but though we do not have all the answers, we know the One who does.
We can fully and completely know that the One who created the world and is in control of it, is our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend.

Let us begin 2022 full of joy and hope, and let us look for the ever-present, though not readily seen, rich blessings in our lives.

Sue Neff, RN, Parish Nurse ret.

First Lutheran Church

Lakeside, California