In All Things Give Thanks
In all things give thanks. If you are reading this be thankful you are not one of the more than half a million fatalities of the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic.
We give thanks that as of the time of writing only 1% of active Covid 19 cases are critical. In all things give thanks.
Driving to Thanksgiving service today I observed many restaurants open. Two in particular had a fair number of people sat alfresco. I commented on one being no different from normal times until Zoe noted a sign saying “Way In Only” wondering where the way out was. Probably on the other street corner I replied. In all things give thanks.
We give thanks also that the overall fatality rate of the pandemic is currently about 8% and falling. Three weeks ago it was above 11%. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
Good news on the herd immunity front is in as well. Yesterday we came across a report that parts of New York had reached 68% immunity to Covid 19. This suggests they could be protected from future infection.
Not surprisingly, there were a number of testimonies at the service to give thanks for. Many of them were from key-workers. A keyworker who ticked all the boxes as vulnerable to Covid 19 tested positive for the antibodies but never fell ill while other colleagues including a boss became serious casualties of Covid-19. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
On the road on Friday evening, I observed many pubs at street corners with many customers. We give thanks that economic activities are returning to our lives. Thanksgiving brings us into a place of untold possibilities.
A number of people I know in the UK have lost their jobs and businesses. We give thanks for the measures in place to protect many. It could have been terribly worse. Small companies set up within six months of the outbreak of the pandemic have been hardest hit. Yet in all things we give thanks.
I recently had bloodshot eyes. This is the worst period I have known to need medical help. After close family expressed alarm, particularly those in the medical field, I sought a way to get medical attention to meet all concerns.
On initial One-One-One assessment, I was judged not to be an emergency to my relief. When the more professional ones in the loop expressed further concern as my eye grew even redder I secured an Out-of-hours appointment. The concern was an infection could cause blindness if not immediately treated.
Enroute to the appointment awaiting instructions on the social distancing measures applying to the appointment I was called by the doctor who directed us straight to the nearest A&E.
My little One was about to miss the next morning’s school as a result. I had not been to A&E for over a decade. Fortunately, Zoe drives so parking was not a complication for speed of reporting. In all things we give thanks.
Arriving at the A&E foyer, the social distancing measures were immediately apparent to me. I was given a mask to replaced the makeshift one from my scarf.
I was seen to within half an hour. On examination with specialist equipment sub-conjuvical blood burst was diagnosed and most fortunately no infection. A temperature check confirmed normal temperature. A blood pressure check drew the comment “perfect”. In all things I give thanks.
A week later and my eye color’s back to normal. There was no medication to take – just eye salve. With joy I draw water from the springs of salvation.
Question: Do you have any adverse circumstances of your own that could have been worse? Please don’t be shy to share. Thank you.
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