November is in full swing and it is the season to be thankful. Soon many of you will be gathered around a table, with enough food to induce a coma.

Thanksgiving is more often than not a time that brings people together (whether they want to be brought together or not.) Thanksgiving is an amazing opportunity for that aunt one to ask what you’re majoring in as she does every year, or for the estranged brother-in-law to ask how your kids are doing. The consistency with which relatives repeat questions would almost lead you to believe that they compulsively force themselves to forget how you answered the last time so that they can make conversation the next time that they see you. Cynicism aside, it is the little nuances that give holiday get-together’s their endearing, if at times cringe worthy charm.

If a Thanksgiving-piece seems somewhat preemptive considering that the holiday is days away, there is a reason for the timing of this article. Rather than being surrounded by family members on Thursday, I will be four hours away, with no cell phone service and no Internet access for the following four days. Given the off-the-grid nature of my Thanksgiving endeavors, I made a decision to sit down and reflect on a few things that I am thankful for, so that my loved ones and associates can get some insight into what I find myself being grateful to have in my life. But I will not delay any longer, without further ado; here are some things that I, Caleb, am thankful for.

The Basics

Food, water, shelter, and other fundamental resources that we take for granted here in America. The amount to which you choose to expose yourself to the hardships of strangers, whether they happen to be around the block or around the world, is largely up to your own discretion, but if you are someone who values being informed, you will be very aware of the pain and suffering that cripples people around the globe. This pain can be derived from the lack of items that I wake up every morning with in my possession and don’t give it a second thought. Appreciate everything that you have.

Higher-Education

Even though the level of stress that I experience regularly has me wanting to pull my hair out at times, I would not trade the access to higher education for the world. A strong education has provided me with the tools to go out into society and take advantage of certain opportunities that a person with less means might not have. Getting overwhelmed by school is normal, but whenever you do, remember that there is someone out there who would give anything to have the chance to be overwhelmed by something that you probably consider a hassle.

A Loving Family

My family and I are the furthest-thing from perfect. There are the ups and downs, however, I know with certainty that no matter what events transpire, my family will be there to love and support me to the best of their ability, and that is worth being thankful for.

Friends Who Challenge Me

If the people that you would call your friends never question a thing that you say, and do not genuinely compel you to contemplate how you think about various subjects, then you may want to consider meeting a few new people. I am thankful to know individuals that keep me on my toes both relationally, and intellectually.

Those are just four quick things that came to mind, there are many more, but then I would be here all day. I hope that reading a few things that I am thankful for on a daily basis motivates you to introspectively think about what you are thankful for, and not just on Thanksgiving, but every day.