IT IS A BIT STARTLING . . .

Our sun here in Arizona is now red because of the California smoke. It feels like an early announcement for Halloween.

The 2020 craziness beyond the scope of enduring a pandemic is continuing to test us and stretch our patience.

Two daughters in Utah and Oregon are both on evacuation notice for fires. In the last month, I’ve lost family members and friends which took a little piece of my heart with them. The political landscape for the next four weeks is just getting warmed up to blast its full dose of confusion and negativity. And the list continues.

We ALL have a list. The details are just different for each of us. 2020 is THE YEAR OF TREADING WATER and we’re all looking for a life preserver to take a breather.

The word written on that floating device that will keep us from sinking is GRATITUDE.

When our anxiety hits a certain level our prayers ought to double up on gratitude.

SOUND OVERSIMPLIFIED?

Hardly. It’s taking fear out of our forward focus. It’s making a spiritual connection while emotionally embracing the positive. And the persistent practice over time will elevate our ability to recognize a silver lining in every situation.

Take a moment each day and say one separate prayer that’s strictly gratitude and no asking. Challenge yourself to consider different things each day. It can be as simple as a warm blanket at night or as tender as a grandchild’s love.

I’ve tried it and I testify that it has kept me afloat more than once. Those gratitude prayer lists may be brief in the beginning - especially if you’re in a real dark place. But soon enough you’ll begin to feel the LIGHT. That list will GROW.

And so will your FAITH.