This week many people are preparing for the day nationally recognized as the official day of thanks. In preparation, they are getting the table ready and preparing food for the entire family as well as friends, all for an evening of giving grace for what one has in life.

In hindsight, being thankful means expressing gratitude and appreciation. It is the idea of appreciating one's life, whether that includes material belongings, life experiences, or the people within one's life. All these things are quality things to be thankful for, but why should we only recognize our thankfulness for them one day of the year?

Being thankful means appreciating all the things that one has been given, the good and the bad, not only one day of the year, but year round. I say the good and the bad, because sometimes negative events are what help us learn lessons for the future, of which gaining wisdom is definitely something to be thankful for.

This year I have had several things to be thankful for. I am thankful for my parents and them being able to give me the opportunity for me to further my education. I am thankful for my friends and family that have stayed by my side and have supported me in my life decisions. I am thankful for all the close friends that I have made since I began my journey in college, for them sticking by my side and lending me a helping hand when I need one. So thank you to all the people in my life and I thank God for all the opportunities that He has given me throughout my life, and despite Thanksgiving being the one day a year that we all celebrate together, I will always be thankful every day of my life for all that I have been given and accomplished in my life.

"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. " Psalm 9:1