The other day, I was in the drive-thru line at McDonald’s waiting for my order of pancakes and my mango pineapple smoothie. (I had a gift card, and I like McDonald’s. I refuse to be feel shame for my love of McDonald’s. Sue me.)

As I approached the cashier at the window, I got my money ready and handed it to the cashier, an older male. He asked me how my day was, and I replied, “Good”.

He said, “No, your day is blessed. Every day you wake up, you are blessed.” I laughed, but as I drove away, I smiled.

This random man at McDonald’s was absolutely right. I am blessed. We all are. I was not expecting to have such an enlightening, yet simple conversation at McDonald’s, and yet that is exactly what I got.

It is so easy in the humdrum of life to get caught up in our own cynical and dull ways, and forget that there is beauty to be found in every day. Sure, it is not always thrilling or fun, but every day we wake up and get to enjoy life is truly a gift.

Perhaps everyone feels this way, but especially among college students, it is almost like a competition to complain and see whose lives are “worse” and who is “suffering” the most. However, I think we need to move away from needless and endless complaining.

Sure, you got a bad grade on a test, but think of how many other people wish they were in your shoes to be able to attend such a prestigious university.

Okay, maybe someone got your order wrong at your favorite restaurant, but consider how many people cannot even afford to eat out at such nice places, or let alone afford to eat whatsoever.

Maybe your parents are always on your nerves and constantly calling you, but take a moment consider how lucky you are that your parents are alive, well, and that you have a relationship with them.

I think it would be useful for all of us to take a step back and constantly remind ourselves that we are so lucky with simple blessings. Every day we wake up is truly a blessing. So many things we take for granted today are things we wished and prayed for yesterday.