As the holidays are slowly approaching we tend to get so caught up in the excitement of Black Friday, and the enjoyment of a Thanksgiving feast on our dining room table, that we forget what we've been blessed with. There are a lot of people who don't have the privilege of opening presents under the tree, or of eating a turkey with a warm and loving family, so In the spirit of thanksgiving I only feel that is accustomed that I list some of the many things that I am thankful for, both big and small.

1. A Roof Over My Head

This is something we ALL take advantage of, without realizing that there are individuals out there that struggle to find shelter from the cold at night. I am so blessed to have a father who works as hard as he does so that I have a warm bed at night, a place to shower, and just a place to call home.

2. Parents Who Are Involved in My Life

I've met plenty of kids whose parents let them go off into the world at an early age and let them do what they want, with who they want, when they want. That sounds fun and all, and I'm pretty sure at some point we all wished for it, but what happens when you're really on your own and have no sense of discipline? I am so thankful to have parents that have pushed me towards so many academic and athletic opportunities, while keeping an eye on me to make sure I was not heading down the wrong path.

3. The Sense of Sight

At the age of 5 I injured my eye pretty badly, which could have very well resulted in me being blind in that one eye permanently. The doctors who performed the surgery on me were extremely gifted and left me with nothing but a small scar that I still have to this day, which is a constant reminder to count my blessings. There are so many people out there who are blind, and I feel great sympathy for them because that could have easily been me. Even though the scar on my eye serves as a source of insecurity at times for me, I try to realize that it makes me who I am as a person.

4. An Opportunity for Higher Education

In the United States College doesn't come easy like high school, and it is definitely not handed out to anyone. I'm thankful that God gave me the gift of knowledge, that I have put to good use in school my entire life. I'm also thankful for parents who could afford to put me through college, at the expense of working extremely long hours, with little time for themselves.

5. Volleyball

I am so thankful that this sport exists, because it has done so much good in my life, more than you would expect. It allowed me to lose weight and gain the confidence that I needed as a young woman. It allowed me to develop both leadership and team work skills, while teaching the most important lesson of them all... nobody is perfect, and you can't impress everyone.

6. My Boyfriend

Most boys I've come across prior to dating my current boyfriend were only looking for one thing, and didn't want to know any part of me other than my body. Luke is much different, he loves me for my thoughts, insecurities, quirks, opinions, and my mind...not just what one can see on the outside. Boys like that are hard to come by, and I'm so glad I found someone as compassionate and as understanding as him.

7. Life

I tend to take advantage of this privilege of life a lot, especially in times of sadness where I feel the need to wallow in my tears instead of picking myself up and realizing the life I've been blessed with. Life is something that can be taken away as easily as its been given, and why shouldn't we be thankful for this wonderful gift that God has given us?

I am thankful for everything good and bad that has every happened to me, and that I get to wake up to a new day with new challenges because life is a beautiful gift worth utilizing.