Practicing Gratitude in Seasons of Uncertainty

Little about 2020 has gone as expected. We’ve altered plans, adjusted to new protocols, and felt uncertain about the future. We’ve experienced disappointment and loss—weddings cancelled, jobs lost, and even the passing of loved ones. It’s been a challenging year.

But throughout this period of unrest, God has been faithful, as God always has been and always will be.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we at MAA feel it’s more important than ever to reflect on our many blessings: rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

We are thankful for unexpected blessings.

Good surprises have abounded in 2020, taking different forms for each of us. They’ve shown up while reconnecting with old friends over Zoom, discovering subtle beauty in our own homes, or adopting a furry friend to welcome as a quarantine buddy.

For Kristy, Operations Coordinator and agent here at MAA, an unexpected blessing has been living in the country, where she is surrounded by big Kansas sky and open spaces. “Being able to spend time outdoors, not worrying about large crowds of people, has been a gift,” she says.

We are thankful for extra time with family.

Across the nation and around the world, many of us were asked to stay home at some point in 2020. And while lockdown has created unending complications, it also gave us unscheduled time with loved ones.

“Before the pandemic hit, everyone was busy with their own schedules,” says Lauren, MAA Customer Service Agent. “Being home brought my family together to share meals, go on walks, and enjoy each other’s company without interruptions. That is time I will forever cherish.”

Amy, MAA Customer Service Agent, is “thankful for being able to spend more unexpected time with family members.”

Our General Manager, Kim, also felt that precious blessing during lockdown.

“I’m thankful for the period of time Kansas was under the stay-at-home mandate. My husband was home too, so we got to spend nearly a month together that we wouldn’t have been able to

otherwise—with nothing on the calendar! It was such a blessing that we were able to maintain our jobs, but also slow the roller coaster of life down, get back to the basics, and stay healthy.”

We are thankful for masks on cold Kansas days.

No one was planning on adding a mask to our daily ensemble, but with winter around the corner, we’re not complaining.

“On cold, windy winter days, I have become thankful for my mask,” says Ron, Church Services Agent. “When it’s cold outside, they can be a blessing!”

We are thankful that God knows best.

When circumstances seem impossible, it can be difficult to trust that God is faithful. Our plans seem best, but God sees the bigger picture.

Sheila, our Business Coordinator, experienced this first-hand. “In 2019, we were trying to sell our camper because we didn’t think we were using it enough,” she says. “We had some bites, but to our disappointment, none of them ever panned out. Fast-forward to 2020, and we were so thankful to still have our camper—that was our way to get away amongst all the restrictions and spend time together! We have since concluded that we really enjoy camping and are so thankful that it never sold.”

We are thankful for you.

At the end of this year, despite all its ups and downs, we are especially thankful for you, our clients, friends, and MAA family.

Mutual Aid Agency was founded on principles of mutuality, and sharing one another’s burdens is at our core. By choosing MAA, you have allowed us to continue our good work, supporting us as we strive to serve you. Because of our clients, MAA has been blessed to give even more back to our community in this time of crisis, double-matching through our Share Fund program.

Most of all, thank you for blessing our lives richly through your partnership. You make our work a joy.

Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us at MAA

This season, may you find moments of laughter with loved ones, gratitude for unexpected blessings, and peace knowing God is good.

"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" - Psalm 34:8