By Pattie Mihalik

I used to thank God for every single blessing each day of the year. But then I realized doing that once a day is not enough.

The older I get, the more I contemplate every blessing, both big and small.

Since the coronavirus has caused my life to shrink, I’m doing it even more often.

Here’s why: When I stop the frenetic, busy lifestyle I once had, by necessity I focus more on everyday things I might not have noticed before.

Joni Eareckson Tada explained it this way: When your world shrinks you pay much more attention to your immediate surroundings.

At 17, she broke her neck while diving and became a quadriplegic. She now heads a worldwide Christian ministry. Perhaps you’ve heard one of her inspiring radio programs or read the story of her life.

What I learned from her is how to “see” differently. I’ve learned to appreciate and give thanks for little snatches of beauty I might not have noticed before.

I thought about Joni’s life again as I was having a hard time adjusting to the homebound existence called “sheltering in place.”

I don’t want to shelter in place. I want to go dancing with my husband, to once again feel the joy of waltzing around a dance floor. I want my old life back. But coronavirus is forcing the postponement of those pleasures.

I’ve learned to concentrate on what I do have instead of lamenting what I no longer can do.

I also resolved not to waste one day of my life by missing out on appreciating the amazing beauty of each day of life.

What I keenly feel is this: Each day of life is a wondrous gift.

As many of my readers probably know, I start each day going for what I call my gratitude walk. I pray that I don’t waste the day, that I don’t fail to see the beauty of each little thing. And I keep my eyes open, looking for the small wonders that are all around me.

I laugh at the funny squirrel that stops to watch me pass as it eats a seed. This audacious squirrel cocked its head and looked at me as if to say, “Aren’t I cute?”

I pass a field that is overrun by weeds but I notice the beautiful flowers that make me ask myself: “What’s the difference between a weed and a beautiful flower?”

I’ve always loved daisies and sunflowers. When I lived in Pennsylvania I planted them, both for my appreciation and for the birds that love to eat the sunflower seeds. I carefully cultivated a garden of roses and coneflowers that gave me great pleasure.

Now, I’ve learned to see and appreciate other flowers - the wildflowers some call weeds.

I’m amazed at the intricate beauty of the tiny purple flowers, so tiny I would miss them if I didn’t look carefully.

That’s what I do on my gratitude walk - I look carefully at the world around me.

Most of all, I say thank you to the Creator of it all.

Throughout the day I say thank you so many times. I say thank you for the beauty of each cloud formation, marveling at how the sky changes every day and throughout the day.

I say thank you for the cooling breeze that makes the palm trees dance.

I say thank you for the opportunity to enjoy early evening at the beach. While most people crowd the beach to just lay in the sun or play in the water, I find going there at off-times cuts the crowd but still has the magic of a day at the beach.

When I walk through my house each day I’m moved to say thank you for the cottage that is modest yet continues to fill me with joy. I look out my lanai at spectacular scenery and can’t believe it is mine to enjoy.

I say thank you so many times throughout the day and night. Yet I know that’s not enough.

I recognize the inadequacy of those simple words of gratitude but I’m sure the Lord knows my heart.

I spend time being thankful for an ever bigger blessing - the people who grace my life, both now and in the past.

There are people I haven’t seen in years but they would probably be surprised to know how thoughts of their place in my life sustain me.

As someone who truly loves people and is bolstered by even casual contact, it’s been hard having to stay away from others. For me, it’s been the hardest thing about living through COVID-19.

I’ve always called Thanksgiving my favorite holiday. I love making a big turkey and having others come to share a holiday meal. While COVID-19 cuts down on hosting more people, and while I will sorely miss being with my family, I will keep a grateful heart for all that I do have.

I will say a heartfelt thank you as I pull a big turkey from the oven, knowing that life itself is one big delicious banquet for us to enjoy.

Contact Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net.