By Lorie Ham
2020 has been a difficult year. The pandemic, wildfires, financial difficulties—at times it can be overwhelming. However, despite all of that, most of us have at least one thing to be thankful for—probably more.
One thing we can be thankful for are those who have stepped up during this time–not only those on the front lines. The entertainment community has been amazing, providing free online entertainment for those of us stuck at home–streaming conventions, online concerts, plays, and even Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard on Star Trek the Next Generation) read a sonnet a day on Facebook! Those who can sew have been making and donating masks to essential workers, people have been delivering food to the elderly, and so much more.
A few Mennonite Insurance employees and board members wanted to share some of the things they are thankful for this year:
“I am grateful for my step-children and step-grandchildren (although, we don’t use the word ‘step’) because they have accepted me as a dad and grandpaw,” shares Board Chair Jim Brandt.
“I am excited and grateful that Julia is coming home Friday after a month and a half in the hospital and convalescent hospital,” says board member Dennis Langhofer whose wife Julia fell and broke her pelvis.
Staff member Dalia Jiminez is grateful for the support of her family and coworkers while she was going through radiation. “And the great staff at Community Cancer Institute Clovis for all their hard work and caring of every patient.”
“I am grateful for my faith in God,” shares staff member Yolanda Hernández. “This year has been challenging, not only due to the pandemic, but personally challenging. I can honestly say that without my faith in Him, I would not have been able to deal with a lot of personal things in my life that are still ongoing to some degree. Even with our churches being closed and no personal contact with our religious leaders, church friends, and church gatherings in general, it has allowed me to feel even more grateful in knowing that my faith in God is constant and strong.”
General Manager Jerry Linscheid is grateful for some stability in his life right now. “Covid has changed a lot at work and at home. It is a blessing to be able to work from home, especially when we were experiencing a shut down. Our extended family hasn’t gotten together in person in a long time. However, we have connected through video conferencing. That allows some of the more distant family members to participate. So, while there is great turmoil in our country in many areas, I’m thankful for a few small eddies in the current where the water seems calm.”
As we approach Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for? We would love it if you would share some of the things you are thankful for on our Facebook page. If you need some inspiration to get you started, the website Lifehack has a great list of 60 things to be thankful for not just this year, but every day.