“If you’re worried and you can’t sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep.” I saw the iconic musical “White Christmas” the other night, performed by the Anderson University’s musical theatre department. One of the main themes of the show comes from this one lyric about counting your blessings, and it resonated with me, as Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. In all the hustle and bustle of college and work, we sometimes become consumed with due dates, managing a social life, and everyday struggles. By doing this, we are stressed and focus on the negative instead of the positive. We tend to forget the wonderful, simple blessings God provides in the little moments. Reflecting on this lyric from “White Christmas,” I remember that I have been blessed with the best friends and family. I don’t want to take any of it for granted.

I have to brag on my friends a little because they are the best people I could have asked for to be going through life with me. First, I have three friends that I have known since middle school. We met in church and have become even more incredibly close in these past few years, which is hard to believe since we were already best friends before! We have all had our ups and downs that come with friendships, but they are some of the closest people to me and know me inside and out. I can talk to them about anything and completely trust all of them. I love them dearly and would do anything for them in a heartbeat. Although, we are all separated at different colleges, we somehow manage to stay in touch and talk about depressing situations, as well as rejoice in the enjoyable moments. I am so truly thankful God blessed me with these amazing friendships!

Secondly, all of the friends I have made in high school (you know who you are) have impacted my life is such a positive way. The friends I met in classes, mock trial, speech and debate, and theatre are also some of the closest friends in my life. As with my church friends, I know I can depend on these people for anything and be myself without facing judgment. I spent most of my time in high school with these people, as we were involved in so many things together.

Third, my friends that I am building life-long relationships with right now in college are some of the best people. We have shared many laughs, tears, and support. I cannot wait to see what God has planned for our lives. I miss all of my friends I made in middle and high school, and I am enjoying meeting new people and making new friends in college. I only pray that all of my friendship from middle school to college become stronger in the future.

I am so thankful for my amazing roommate. My roommate and I have known each other since middle school, and she was and still is one of my best friends. We always joke about how we act like an old, married couple because we return to the dorm, eat snacks, and just complain about our days! I love having a roommate and friend where we listen to each other’s problems and accomplishes. We have also shared multiple laughs and have had a blast together in college! We balance each other so well, which is why I think we are such good roommates. She helps me to work harder, stay clean and organized, and pushes me to be an overall better person. I am truly thankful that God put us together.

Lastly and certainly not least, I am incredibly thankful for my family. All of my family, extended and close, have had an immense impact on my life. I am the youngest on both sides of my family, and I have the opportunity to watch and learn from those older than me. I am thankful for those who exemplified Godly relationships, how to live according to His principles, and simply how to love life. My parents, brother, aunts, uncles, and cousins have helped to shape and create me into the person I am today and I could not be more grateful.

While Thanksgiving quickly approaching, I encourage you to challenge yourself everyday to think of one or two things you are grateful for and thank God for providing those blessings. Although I am grateful for so much more in my life, the people mentioned in this blog have been on my heart, as I miss them and pray for them. I hope this can be a season for you to meditate on the many amazing people in your life and count your blessings!