It has been an interesting start to the 2020-2021 school year. It can be difficult to focus on thankfulness and gratitude when it feels like the unknowns of this world are a heavy weight on our shoulders, but I continue to challenge our Northern community to look for joy even in this long journey through all things COVID……especially as we enter this Thanksgiving season. Since students were encouraged to submit artwork, creative writing, or photography, I decided to add a poem that I wrote as I reflect on the first 11 weeks of the school year, and as we look ahead to the holidays.
I Choose Thanksgiving
It is through life’s challenges
that lead us to grow.
Tough times don’t last;
they come and they go.
But COVID feels different.
It is far from the same.
It’s caused people to point fingers;
looking for someone to blame.
Instead of division,
let’s reach out a hand.
For its in helping others
where you can take a stand.
Stand up for what’s good,
and help a neighbor in need.
It could be a large project
or the simplest of deed.
When the world feels hopeless
and ugly and dark,
you can step in
and be someone’s spark!
Light someone’s candle;
it will help guide their way.
Spend time listening
to what others have to say.
For when you do this,
I think you should know
that it’s the seeds of hope
which soon start to grow.
It is hope we need
when all else fails.
Hope offers that push-
like wind does to sails.
And when someone starts moving
away from despair,
they build a foundation
like four legs to a chair.
A strong foundation is confidence
that they are strong enough
to get through life’s challenges
even when the going is tough.
Then a problem becomes
no mountain too high,
because they are equipped
and ready to fly.
So, whether pandemic, hybrid learning
or a contentious election,
we are in this together
let’s all take time for reflection.
Hopelessness, and dread
are options for living,
but I offer an alternative-
I choose Thanksgiving!
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