Thankful. Gratitude. What strong and powerful words. They make one look back at the year and all that they have done. What they have done for others and themselves, then to decide what are they are truly grateful for? We live in a world with so many distractions and issues that it can be hard to stop and reflect on what is happening in that moment, as well as focusing on the good and happiness in someone’s life. We should always give all of our energy to God, our family and friends, and the moments that make us smile. We should focus on the good that is in our lives, and put aside the troubles/issues/distractions that we face everyday. This is a hard thing to do, but it is worth it because it will make us more positive and energetic people.

We are all worthy people, even though we are all different from one another. We need to enlighten those who are not grateful or entitled to do things in their lives for others. Therefore, we need to take a stand and help those in need or those who are ungrateful for the little things in their lives.

This past school year, the Siena Heights Catholic Student Community went on a service trip to Flint, MI. It was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes to the world around me. It was amazing to be in an environment when they had so little, but were so thankful for everything that they have. We worked at Durant-Tuuri-Mott Elementary School (DTM) where we helped clean up their school garden and one of their playground areas. The gardens were all so over-grown and contained so many weeds and large roots that it was impossible to get every one out, but we got pretty close. Now their flower/garden beds are ready for whatever Michigan winter weather may come this year. The men on the trip also felt the need to spruce up the appearance of the courtyard by edging the sidewalks. What an incredible difference it made! When we walked up from handing out fruit to the students as they went home for the weekend, we thought we were walking into a war zone, but it looked so much better once swept and cleaned up. The person in charge was shocked at all of the work we did to such a small area. He said that what we did in 4 hours would have taken them weeks to do. It is amazing how much work can get done with so many motivated people.

While the men were finishing cleaning up the edging and beginning to set up for a movie night with the students, the women were with the children running around, playing games, and talking with them. It was amazing how open the kids were. They were so excited that we were in college, and more so glad that we spent time with them. The smiles on the kids’ faces were amazed when we told them that spending time with them was how we were spending our fall break. They wondered why we didn’t go home or do something else. That led to an important question that one of the members in our group brought up during our reflection: “Why serve?” Really, why do we serve? To make ourselves feel good? To share our love for God? To get rid of the bad in our lives? The list goes on and on. There is no real reason or explanation to why we serve, except for our love of God and to do good in a community, even when it is not the most enjoyable job like raking-it still was fun and everyone had a positive attitude while doing it.

We were all called to do things in life, especially serving others. There is no reason for why we are either. However, sometimes it is a reminder that we need to stop doing things for ourselves and do things for others, even when we are hurting. We live in a world filled with so much negativity. It is so much easier to point out the negatives in something than to see the positives. By beginning the day thinking positively, the attitude for the day will be positive and enlightening. It will make you feel so much better and know that people and things happen for a reason, even when it is unexpected. It does not have to be anything big, but a simple act or a smile or a conversation will make someone else’s day, lighting a positive flame in their soul and know that they are valued in life.