For the first time ever, I am celebrating my birthday quarantined at home. I had plans, as I usually do, to get out of the city and have some fresh air. My friends and I were to go to the beach for some rest and recreation. Now, I find I am at home and not at the beach, with not a lot of options for food, and yet grateful nonetheless for another year. I wanted the beach but in this time of quarantine, what I have is a view of the Pasig River. Then, I realize in this very picture a reason to be grateful. It got me thinking and making a gratitude list. It is indeed a day I can choose to be grateful. And I decide to be.

I am grateful, that even if I am not at the beach, I get to see a Pasig River that is getting cleaner and cleaner.

I am grateful that though I am in the city, I get to see clear blue skies.

People everywhere are continually stepping out and extending generosity, despite the negative posts I still see.

Friends and classmates from many years are getting reconnected, despite the years of distance.

Even if my best friends and I couldn’t go to the beach, we can do video calls and pray every day.

I get to share a meal regularly with my Mom, and no longer need to schedule a Mama Date. Because I am working from home.

I am grateful that although I don’t get to go out for an elegant meal, I get to have life’s simple joys. I have a tub of ice cream for my birthday.

Prayer has become a knee jerk for many people, when it used to be a last resort.

I get to see humanity at work, with the generosity and selflessness of everyone serving at the front-line in this time of COVID-19 crisis.

I get to see government officials rising to the occasion and being the leaders God has called them to be.

In a city where we have one, I am indeed grateful. I live in Pasig City.

While challenges arise, the indomitable faith of the people around me continue to keep pace and rise to the challenge.

The organization I serve values its God-given mission, and cares as much for the people who are part of it.

In the midst of this crisis, we have corporate leaders who are not afraid to make the tough decisions to continually give and serve the nation.

I am grateful that the Church continues to be salt and light in this difficult time.

I am grateful that in the midst of pain, calamity and fear, God continues to be faithful and gives us hope.

My list can go on and on. How about you? What are you thankful for?

As you come up with your own list, my prayer is that may we draw our strength and hope in God who is ever faithful and true.

God bless us all.