Why I’m Thankful I Have Covid-19

Dear Friends,

Yep, it’s official. I was sick all last week and received my lab results back on Friday night with the news that I have COVID-19. It has been quite a journey, as I have been pretty sick for most of the past week and although slightly better now, it seems to be a lingering type of illness. But while this can be troublesome, I am also very aware that there is a command in scripture that says we are supposed to rejoice in our sufferings. We’re supposed to be thankful, even for our trials—and God really means that!

So, I made a list of reasons why I’m thankful I have COVID-19. And I want to share it with you, to encourage you to also look for things to be thankful for when your Thanksgiving may not look the way you imagined:

• It is forcing me to slow down and have literal quiet time.
• I appreciate family and community so much more now and will do so even more when I am out of quarantine.
• Being sick makes me appreciate how much my body does for me during normal times. I will never take breathing for granted again!
• I’m grateful for the timing of my illness. I have not had to cancel anything. And my daughter Morgen is at college and not home, which is a blessing because she has asthma.
• This experience has provided some key scripture verses with extra meaning and power for me. Here’s just one…

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 _ESV)

And finally, I’m thankful for the incredible team who works so hard behind the scenes with me. They have been trying to take everything off my plate because they want me to be able to truly just find rest (hmm… that sounds familiar) and do nothing. (Especially my staff director Charlyn, who was literally sending me notices that I am being put into “time out” while I was recording these thoughts!)

So far my case has been manageable, but we know this can be very serious. We continue to pray for all affected by this virus. While this may not be the way I would choose to spend Thanksgiving, there is so much to be thankful for this year. Yes, even in 2020. Even with a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Let’s choose joy by being thankful in all circumstances, and especially this week, no matter what it looks like for you.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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Check out Shaunti’s latest book (co-authored with her husband, Jeff), Thriving in Love and Money. Because you need a better relationship, not just a better budget.

This article was first published at Patheos.