I live in a world where I have so much to be thankful for every single day. Even when I am having a rough day, week, or semester I have things to be thankful for. Even when I am unworthy I find things to be thankful for. Things and people come into my head when I think about the word thankful.

My clothes. Chick Fil A. My car. My comfy bed. My small business. My birks. My rain jacket on a rainy day. My university. My plethora of purses and bags. etc etc etc

Gosh, that's just a handful of things I like off the top of my head. I could name so much more. All of those above have one common denominator: I don't need them.

I don't need my birks, a nice car, or a million purses. I don't need any of those materialistic items. I have seen first hand how little some have to survive with and they manage do it.

In the Dominican, people have never heard of birks or been to a Chick Fil A. Most don't have cars or a million bags. Most don't have the opportunity to go to a secondary school or start a new business. Most don't have enough beds for everyone in the family. Most don't even have clean water. Most get by with the simple things.

So while we are in the world thinking that we don't have enough, think of other people. No, not only the people in the Dominican are poor, but the people in your backyard, hometown, state, and country are too.

Here are five things to be thankful for every single day.

1) Jesus

This goes without saying. It is a blessing to wake up every day knowing that you are here on this earth because Jesus made you from scratch, designed to be perfect in His image. There is always always always a reason to be thankful for our Savior.

2) Life

Before you even get out of bed in the mornings you have something to be thankful for. LIFE. God granted you your life and set you apart from others. Life is such an incredible gift. Be thankful every day for your life. It is so precious.

3) Family

Family and friends. I would not be who I am today if not for those I loved along the way. I seriously know that I would not be where I am if not for my parents, sister, grandpa, best friends, youth leaders, etc.

I am so thankful for everyone. My other half who supports me in every aspect and my roomies who lift me up and make the bad days brighter.

I am extra thankful for good roomies because I would be out of clean clothes had they not generously moved mine to the dryer for me. Y'all rock.

4) Health

Being alive! What a time to be alive. I am so thankful for my health and for just being me. Being able to breathe and see every day is something to be thankful for.

5) Smile

I am so thankful to be able to smile. Smiling makes me so happy. Even a smile from my barista at Starbucks makes my day that much better. You never know how much an impact a smile can make on someone. So smile big and smile often.

I try to remember every day to be thankful, pleased, and relieved..

God is so good, ya'll. Be thankful and be happy.

Abigail