Thankfulness

As I have been at home this past Thanksgiving week, I thought I would take some time out and talk about what I am thankful for. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday seasons, it is hard to take time out and just reflect on the gifts that God has given us. Yet, it is important for us to take a look back at all the things we have been given throughout the year.

I am thankful for struggles. As much as I would love to just sit around and have no stress hanging over me, it is good to be forced to rely on our Creator to help us get through those times. It is the times of struggle which I find myself most tuned in to God. When I am just coasting along with no worries I usually tend not to think about or do anything, including God. Another good thing about hard times is the feeling of accomplishment you receive once you have finished, which is always better then the feeling of unproductiveness when laying around doing nothing.

Another thing I am thankful for is prayer. My family has gone through a rough couple of months due to the loss of my Grandfather. Yet, it has been prayer that has helped me get through the tough time. Prayer allowed me to find strength for myself, and allowed me to feel like I could actually help others deal with their grief by praying for them. This is especially important because you always want to help but there is never really any way that you can. Prayer allows us to be able to help each other out, and that is immeasurably valuable in grief-stricken times.

The last thing I am going to mention is support. Whether it be the support of friends, family, or professors, it is always good to know that others are watching out and caring for you. It is nice to know that in emergency situations, and not-so-emergency situations you have friends who are there to help you out. It is also nice to know that your family is going to be there to help you out no matter what the situation is. It is also good to know that you always have a church family that is supporting you whether it be in your home church or my church at school, I always know that I have a network of people who care. The knowledge that you have a multitude of people who care is more than something to be thankful for, it is something that I pray everyone can share.

So on this thanksgiving think about more than being thankful for friends, family, and food. Take some time away from your turkey leftovers and think about those in the world whom are unable to even fathom leftovers, and thank your Creator for all the blessings he has given you.