This past Thursday, I traveled to the Big Apple to visit a friend for break. The morning of my flight, I arrived at BNA bright and early, ready for my exciting trip ahead. I checked my luggage, went through security and made my Starbucks run—so basic, I know. As I sat in my gate waiting to board, I scanned the area looking at the people I was about to travel with.

Continuing to sip on my coffee and people watch, I had this overwhelming feeling of excitement. You’d think it’d be because I was about to reunite with one of my best friends and visit NYC, but it actually wasn’t (I was definitely excited about that too, though!!). This excitement that filled my heart was because of the people I saw passing by in the airport.

Weird, I know, but let me explain. All these people—all these different people, different races, different interests, different stories, different holiday plans, different appearances—different everything, were all alive. Living, breathing, walking individuals. Individuals that are all living these amazing lives.

By amazing lives, I don’t mean fantasy Upper East Side living either. By amazing lives, I mean that they each have the ability to wake up and experience life every day. Yeah, sometimes it throws you curveballs, but you're still LIVING. And, honestly, what more could you ask for?

It's so fascinating to think that none of this would be possible without The Big Man Upstairs. But really, Jesus is so cool. He made us each individually special. Incredibly special and unique, and it's important that we recognize that in one another. So embrace in the diversity, and spread the love.

So my thankfulness lies in Jesus. I’m incredibly thankful that He blessed me with the ability to see His wonders in the world we live in and delight in His creation. Each day when I rise, I am thankful for Him.