The past few months have been filled with one thing: COVID.  All day.  Every day.

COVID has challenged us at home, at work, at school, and in our community.  It has completely taken over every aspect of our lives. COVID has required our family to become more flexible as routines have been thrown away and new routines need to be developed constantly with rapid iteration. 

COVID has actually brought our family closer together.  With after school activities cancelled, there has been more time for family dinner and family conversation.  This has been a wonderful silver lining of this incredibly challenging time in which we live.  We hope that this increased family time will become a lasting legacy.

We have been lucky to be able to spend time outside in nature.  We are lucky to have good health.  We are lucky to have good jobs.  We are lucky to have a loving and caring family. 

The past few months have reminded us of the importance of simple gratitude.  Gratitude for the beautiful sunrise, sky, and smells of nature.  Gratitude for kind, caring, and loving family.  Gratitude for strong friendships and relationships.  Gratitude for an amazing temple community.  Gratitude for the ability to get out of bed each day and enjoy the gift of a new day.