It is easier to ignore the blessings of life and complain about its challenges. Thanksgiving is one of the special periods during the course of the year where we emphasize the blessings of life. As a religious person, it is relevant for me because the word of God says in 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 that, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”.

An attitude of gratitude is expedient for life. What we appreciate will proliferate.

Here are 6 things for which I am thankful:

Life: The most important thing to thankful for is the gift of life. Most people take life and good health for granted but as a Christian the Bible says every good and perfect gift comes from God so I’m grateful to Him for seeing me through the entire year even to this day. Without life and health, there is no hope to accomplish any dream, vision, goal or purpose. A lot of people are bedridden and in other places in order to seek good health. I don’t take for granted the fact that I am able to go about my school life, work and even able to make it to McDonalds or whichever food chain’s drive thru I decide on.

Family: The role of our various family kinds in our lives cannot be overemphasized. Whether it is our biological family, church family, school family, work family or college hall family, our lives keep going based on family. The words of encouragement, prayers, visits and the sense of belonging felt from family is an avenue for which I am grateful. Being a content creator for Odyssey for instance, has introduced me to some amazing individuals with wonderful ideas and personalities. I am thankful for their roles in my life as a writer and a young person.

A loving school: I’m thankful for a college that feels like a family. The administration, faculty and staff work tirelessly for the success of us the students. Not many individuals are privileged to be in a college with dedicated professors, administration and staff.

A supportive community: Alva community has been a tremendous part of the college. The community supports all activities of the college, make donations for scholarships and contribute in so many other areas. I’m thank for such a location that is rare

Peace: Peace is essential. Without it, progress does not happen. The United States just went through one of the most fierce and contested elections in the history of the union peacefully and the country is still strong and united. In as much as there are protests, majority of the states are calm and bond together. Other nations of the world do not go through elections without war.

Diversity: This College is one of the most diverse in the state. Students from all cultures, races and upbringing all converge to exhibit the spirit of being a Ranger. I’m thankful to meet people I never imagined to ever meet. But coming to college here made it a possibility