Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Well, I suppose when you're reading this, Thanksgiving was last week. As I'm writing this, it's Thursday morning. I'm sitting on my couch in coordinated pajamas, drinking my morning Holiday coffee from Trader Joe's, and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Below is a list of just a few of those things. Even though it's not Thanksgiving Day anymore, let's all try our hardest to be thankful every day of the year.

1. THIS!

The opportunity to write for Odyssey Online has been an unexpected, incredible, blessing. God has used me through this platform already in my short few months here! Writing weekly articles has enabled me to share some big pieces of my story. I can't wait to see where it'll take me next.

2. My Family

I am incredibly blessed to have supportive parents who encourage me to follow my dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem. I also have an amazing role model in my older brother, who inspires me to go big and be kind to people.

3. My Best Friends

"Kegaimee"... words don't describe how thankful I am to have found two crazy little turkeys like you! I am so grateful for your support, laughter, wisdom, and tears in this chaotic season of life. Thank you for reading everything that I ever write and reminding me that everything will be okay. I love you both so much.

4. Bethel University

In the past few months, I've been reminded what a blessing it is to have access to education. School is not always fun, but there is always something to be learned- about myself or the world I live in- and I can't believe I get to do it at a place that also encourages me to grow in my faith every day.

5. Opportunity

For some reason I've always taken this for granted... but as I grow older I am realizing just how incredibly lucky I am to live in a country where anything is possible if you work hard enough and if you invite God into it. I am so excited and empowered by that idea. I can't wait to see where 2017 will take me!

I couldn't possibly fit everything I'm thankful for on this list. As I write this I am thinking of all the people who are not as lucky as I am. And that's all it is- luck. There is nothing about me that makes me inherently better than anyone else. So I'm going to use the gifts and talents I've been given, to bless others in the coming year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Your favorite Turkey,

Jaimee