By Kerry Douglas McKennon

2020 has been a year to remember and for many not in a good way. Many of us have lost loved ones or been harmed in some way due to the circumstances of 2020. I know that this year has touched me in ways I could not imagine. But no matter the outcome of 2020, we have this time of year to reflect on our blessings even if they are few and far between.

Being thankful is just the beginning. The sad part is the we are not thankful for our blessings all year long. Big blessings are easy to have gratitude and share with others. It is the small blessings that we sometimes miss or for which we forget to give thanks. I know that is the case with me. So let’s begin with everything we can all be thankful for and even some of mine.

The COVID-19 virus has done a great deal of damage from deaths, health issues and government overreach in many cases. I am grateful that the pandemic has not been worse. I am sad that we have lost lives, but on the bright side we have learned some valuable lessons. I am thankful that we have relearned basic hygiene. How great is that? I can not believe that we needed to have the government tell us to wash our hands, sanitize surfaces and cover our mouths when we cough or sneeze. And that a mask has become a regular part of our lives. I think these basic hygiene tasks have saved lives, so thank goodness for that.

What should we give thanks for that has happened this year. For starters, we have actually grown closer and talked to each other more due to circumstances. And this is a wonderful outcome. We have reached out to each other in new ways. Our relationships with our loved ones have grown nearer and dearer in 2020. Walter and I spend more time talking to our mothers than we did in the past. Our time spending more time speaking with loved ones is not due to COVID, but to the fact that major health issues happened to us. We grew as individuals. I hope everyone has grown in some way. 2020 is the year to forgive old transgressions and seek out forgiveness.

What lessons of being thankful have we learned to continue forward after tragedy or a pandemic? First find some blessing to be grateful for that has brought you joy no matter how small. We have to count our many blessings. Looking for blessings is not always easy, but counting them and being joyful is key. You might not be happy with the outcome of the election. I know I wish I had won, but the lesson is what goodness happened and can be celebrated. Plus what can we do different to have more and even bigger blessings going forward. Looking forward to finding blessings is an important step. Having faith that good things will happen will open our eyes to even the smallest item each day. I look forward to hearing what everyone is thankful for not just during the holidays but year round. Let’s make a pledge to give thanks daily to each other. I know I am thank for my life, my loved ones and the my many blessings. Count you blessings one by one and be grateful. Good stewardship of our lives gives us hope for the coming season and new year.

Kerry McKennon is a Libertarian activist and was the Libertarian Party’s nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas in 2020.