Heading into the Thanksgiving season – even though gratitude is something that should be expressed all year – is a good time to reflect on what I'm thankful for. Even though this is the time of the year we typically encourage people to consider what they should be grateful for, I am thankful – no pun intended – for at least five things.

I'm thankful for my salvation. Even though there was no immediate, dramatic change at 15 years of age when I became a Christian, I am thankful to be a part of God's covenantal family and to be assured that He is always actively working in me to produce a heart of gold that reflects Jesus.

I'm thankful for my family. I have a mom and a dad named Glen and Eve who have loved me every step of the way in life. I couldn't ask for better parents. I have two older sisters named Nadyia and Cheri, with the former being the oldest child. Even though I have not ideally spent enough time with them throughout the past few years, I am thankful they are in my life. Both have shown incredible support for my aspirations toward graduate school and have been a steady support base despite so many life changes along the way. I am thankful for my Aunt Judy who has also been a steady presence of love and support even though we don't regularly communicate.

Last but certainly not least is my "Grandma" Betty. Even though she isn't biologically related to me, I consider her family. We originally met during my first year at Liberty University during fall break when she was picking up her granddaughter Megan. Grandma Betty and I have had our share of bumps in the road all these years, but I am very thankful for her steady presence of love and support. She's very warm, compassionate, giving, and supportive of my endeavors. She has given me a second home.

I'm thankful for close, steady relationships. I am thinking of my friends Rulonda, Annie, Denzel & Jamila, Leo, Ashley, Jenna, Tessa, and so on. Each of these friends has brought unique contributions to my life in ways the others have not, and I am very thankful for each of them. Ru, thanks for always sticking around all these years – I love you. Annie, thank you for the heart of gold you have – I love you. Denzel and Jamila, it's been a ride getting to know you guys, and I appreciate and love you both.

Leo, I am thankful you and I have been roommates since the first year at Liberty (2015). There's a reason I wanted us to still be roommates. I appreciate you, man. Ashley, even though we haven't met in person yet, I am thankful that you and I have stayed in touch all these years – I love ya! Jenna, I'll never forget our days at J Sargeant Reynolds. Love you! Tessa, I'm glad I have been able to be a big brother to you. Love ya!

I'm thankful that God is continuously reminding me of my potential. I get easily discouraged with myself when setbacks happen and have oftentimes been tempted to throw in the towel academically because of poor performance occasionally. But God has used my family and closest friends to remind me over and over again who I am and that I am not defined by my flaws and that I can always overcome in Christ when I don't quit.

I am last but not least thankful for nature. Nature unavoidably has a calming appeal to it. I remember taking a walk the other day in my apartment complex at our mini walking trail and was observing the colorful leaves all over the path. I was taken in by the beauty and serenity that comes with being absorbed into nature. Nature allows for escape. Nature allows for isolated contemplation. Nature provides the scenery for God to speak. And nature is a window to the heart of God.