It's so easy to get in a lifestyle of complaining. Moving from my beloved home in Louisiana has given me many opportunities to do just that as I awkwardly transition in to my new life in Virginia. There's so many comparisons to be made and things to be missed. And as much as I hate a good ol' Christian cliche, I have to remind myself daily to count my blessings.
If you're going through a rough time like I am, or maybe just need a pick-me-up during mid-terms, here's 17 reasons why you should smile, and to God be the glory for every single one.
1. The air you breathe
This is a basic one. Take a deep breath with me right here, and praise Jesus for every single one you've had before or will have in the future. I don't think I need to explain exactly why we should be thankful for oxygen, but it's still a good example to point out. There are so many basic needs that God takes care of for us - things that we can't even see. He holds together every cell in your body, every hair on your head, plans out every moment on your day. He breathed life into you and the rest of this world, and for this, rejoice!
2. The friends that you have, even if they're few
Faithful friends are so hard to come by, especially when you're in a new place. For me, I have a lot of good friends, but I have two great friends here on campus, and I love them to death. And instead of worrying about numbers or who's actually gonna be around for the long haul, I want to be thankful for who I do have in this moment. Negativity is toxic in friendships anyway, so if you focus on the positive, there's nowhere you can go but up.
3. Your education
Even if your education doesn't go beyond middle school or high school, you're currently reading this article and that puts you ahead of 26% of the world's population. Every little thing that you know is a blessing - from how to read and write to learning the most (seemingly) useless things in your advanced calculus class. When you learn, you're expanding your horizons. You're working your brain in new ways. Even when you're buried in homework and drowning in mid-terms, don't forget to be thankful for all that you know.
4. The food that you eat
Coming from outside of New Orleans (the land of every single good, spicy, and fried food that you can imagine), adapting to the cuisine of a Virginian dining hall has been one of my biggest struggles. Every time I have a meal there, I reminisce on what used to be my meals of choice. That is, until I remember how lucky I am to be eating at all. No matter how lackluster the food may be at times, I never go hungry, which is such a blessing, and something I need to remember to thank God for every day.
5. Sleep
... Need I say more? Thank Jesus for every bit of rest you can get your hands on!
6. The things that make you smile
This can include anything from cute babies to stupid GIFs and great episodes of Parks and Rec (AKA all of them) (except the first episode - I mean, who are we kidding, right?). Be thankful for every little thing that makes you happy. God loves to see the smile on your face.
7. Fluffy little animals
My personal favorites are long haired guinea pigs and those tiny ponies. What exactly is it that makes baby animals so much cuter? Even science can't solve this mystery. All I know is that no one can stay sad when there's a puppy in their arms. It may sound crazy, but thank God for these little creations and their endorphin-boosting properties.
8. Life
Don't let a day pass by where you don't thank the Lord for the life that you're living. Even when you're dealing with the worst of the worst, you are alive, and that alone is such a blessing. Until the day you die, you're never out of opportunities to smile and thrive and make a difference in someone else's life. The God of this universe has a plan for your life each day - find joy knowing that He holds your every moment.
9. Your home
Maybe you've lived in the same place forever or maybe you've moved around - either way, you have a home, even if it's just wherever your family (or friends) may be. Treasure that - don't downgrade it just because it's not the world's standard of what a home is supposed to be. A home can be found in a house, in a church, on a campus, or out in nature. Either way, love where you've come from and thank God for it every day.
10. Your family
This can be your actual family, your adopted or foster family, or even just your friends. Praise the Lord (or, as we Christian white girls like to say - "PTL") for those people who remind you that you are loved. You are who you are today because of these people. They've built you and grown you and pushed you in ways that you couldn't have done on your own. Be thankful for their encouragement and friendship every step of the way.
11. Your story
There's so much to be thankful for when you think about how far you've come in life. Be proud of the story of who you are. Give thanks for the sovereignty of the Lord's hand in your life.
12. Nature
It's undeniable that you can see the hand of God in the world around us. From the beauty in every sunset to the care put into crafting every stone, this earth is the work a divine Creator. See every mountain, leaf, and creature as the blessings that they are and be reminded that you too are one of His beautiful creations.
13. Campfires and fuzzy socks and hot chocolate and other warm things
As I was making this list, I couldn't help but feel excited about things like these. Be thankful for every joyful experience you have - the times where you feel cozy and warm and protected. The simplicity in these moments are just another thing that makes life beautiful. Thank God for the purity and happiness that comes with it.
14. Art
What would life be without a way to express ourselves? From paintings to music to architecture, all of it is so important in our life. Look around you and see the artistic influences that surround you. This world is so beautiful and bright! Just as God is a creator, we reflect His character through our own creativity. It's just another reason to give thanks to Him - for blessing us with these gifts and allowing us to be more like Him through them.
15. Stories
Have you ever noticed that people are drawn to stories? We let our guard down to hear the tales of someone older and wiser than us. We escape reality through TV shows, movies, and fairy tales. Heck, even Jesus used them to communicate His messages to us through parables! Praise God for every lesson we've ever learned and story we've been told. Thank Him for the movies and songs and stories that have changed our lives forever. It may seem small, but it's oh so beautiful and glorious in His eyes.
16. Snack foods
Where on earth would we be without a good old fashioned Double Stuffed Oreo and a cup of Easy Mac to get us through the night? While they may not be the most nutritious of options, I thank the Lord that He's provided for me something fun to get me through my cram sessions.
17. Jesus
Ahhh, yes - the big Kahuna. Jesus. Every single day of your life, you should be thanking and praising and crying out to God in thanksgiving for sending His son Jesus to die for us. Without Him, we would be nothing. We were once dead in our sin, but now we are alive. What more could we possibly ask for? Thank Jesus for your salvation. He took the pain for you upon the cross. In return, the least we can do is give thanks - not only in our words, but in every aspect of our lives.
