The most wonderful time of year is quickly approaching us. I know I’m not the the only one excited for the lights, the peppermint mochas, and a never-ending stream of Christmas music. Before Christmas, we have to get through Thanksgiving. I’m all about the food, so there’s no complaints here. As Thanksgiving gets nearer and nearer, I’ve been trying to come up with things that I am thankful for. I live a very blessed life that I am immensely grateful for. My list started out so typical; I am thankful for things like my friendships and my family. I realized it’s not about that, and there’s so many things that don’t occur to me on a daily basis, that should. I wanted to share a few things that I forget to be thankful for:

The gifts in life.

Almost everything can be viewed as a gift. Attending college is a gift, because there’s so many brilliant people that have to be adults too soon, or can’t afford it, or just never get the chance. Working a terrible job is a gift, some people can't find work at all. You still learn skills at your crappy job and you still have something to put on a resume. The crummy apartment you live in is a gift, some people can't afford to put a roof over their heads. You might meet amazing people at your apartment building or learn how to not be an awful neighbor. You can learn from and be thankful for anything if you choose to do so.

God’s unfailing love.

There’s some people that go through life and have to carry everything themselves. They have to carry their guilt, their shame, their worries, their sadness. I’m proud to say I’m a Christian, I don’t have to live with these things because God takes them from me. I'm blameless and I am constantly loved, regardless of my actions. All too often, I forget to thank God for this.

Feeling nervous or anxious.

Naturally, I'm a very stressed-out, anxiety-ridden, college student. I always looked at these feelings in a negative way until recently. I'm thankful to feel nervous because feeling this way reminds me that I’m alive. When I feel anxious, it reminds me that I'm stepping out of my comfort zone. I'm able to take chances and make decisions of my own. I live in a place filled with new opportunities and a never-ending variety of choices to make.

Lacking fear.

The place I'm at in life with my faith and my support system, I'm not afraid for tomorrow. I'll have a place to sleep, to call home. I'll have money for groceries and enough left to pay my bills. I'll have a car to get me to school and work. Even if these things get taken from me, I know that God always provides. He won't give you something you can't handle, and because of that, I'll never be afraid.

Failing.

Failing means that you’ve tried something new, and that’s more than most people can say. It makes you return to the drawing board. I firmly believe that God has a plan for everyone. Take your failures and learn from them. Maybe what you were trying to accomplish isn't part of His plan? Go back, re-group, and find meaning in failing.

Having the things I need.

I complain about being poor because I’m in college and it’s just a normal thing to do. I have the means to provide for myself. I can afford my car payment, my rent, I can buy food when I’m hungry, and I can afford to turn on the heat when it gets cold. Even when money gets tight, I have a savings account. I have loving parents who will gladly help out. Some aren't as lucky; so even if you don't have everything you want, be happy with having the things that you need.

We shouldn’t just be thankful one week out of the year. I challenge you all to remember this, make it a goal this year. When something bad happens, remember all the amazing things in your life. Even things that don’t seem amazing can be, choose to look at them that way! I wish you all the most amazing holiday season filled with friends, family, laughter, and memories you’ll cherish forever.