2016 has not been a year of blessings for many people. I can see how it would be difficult to think of things to be thankful for this holiday season. There are ups and downs of every year, for everyone, but this year has been a particularly hard one. The shootings in Orlando and Dallas, Brexit, the spread of the Zika virus, the election, bombing and terror attacks, and much more make it difficult to focus on the good in the world.
But in my life, even during these tough times, I have so many things to be thankful for. And I am blessed in so many ways.
I have a mighty, powerful, forgiving, loving, and grace-giving God.
I have a family whom I love. Parents who have never divorced, and only a mildly annoying younger brother.
We are all extremely talented and educated people. We are well off. We, as an intermediate family, have never gone to bed hungry.
I have friends, who care deeply for me. And just this week I have been reminded of that fact.
I go to an amazing school, with the help of generous donations and scholarships, and I am able to participate in (what I believe to be,) one of the greatest organizations in America.
I have had the pleasure of singing all around the world. My dream. What I've wanted to do since I was five. I've done it. Three times.
I was given an opportunity to change my life for the better. To lengthen it. To prolong it. It was a risk, but I took it. And this year, I have begun my second, healthier, life.
In truth, I've had a wonderful year, and a wonderful life. I have very few things to complain about, and yet the other 365 days of the year, I find something to be upset about. Something happens that isn't fair, that makes me feel deprived. And I just have to stop and laugh at myself. How ridiculous am I?
I have been given so many things.
Not just material.
I have been given opportunities. I have been given friendships, support systems, luxuries, laughter, love, experiences, talents, health, and LIFE.
I've been given life.
A wonderfully human life, complete with it's own unique twists, turns, and fates.
And for that, I'm thankful.
