Sometimes we all take the simplest blessings for granted and that can make it hard to appreciate our time in college. In college, we are all challenged and go through a lot of change, so without appreciating the little things in life, we might not be able to appreciate the big things when they come. I may only be a freshman but already, I have learned that lesson. So today, I would like to talk about what I am thankful for in college because I have been blessed with so much. I know the holidays are over but that doesn’t mean that the thanks and praise should end.

First and foremost, I am thankful for God who has been with me this whole time. Through the good times and the hard times, the Lord has never left my side. Whenever I go through difficult times, I look to God. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This helps remind me that I am never alone. I am very grateful for having the Lord in my life! Now this may be said quite often, but it is true. I am so very thankful for my family. Without them, I wouldn’t be in college. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to find out what I wanted to do with my life. They have supported me through everything and continue to do so. I cannot ever thank them enough for their love, support, care, and encouragement!

I am also very grateful for each and every one of my friends in college and even outside of college. First of all, my roommate and suitemates deserve the greatest thanks because they have helped me to grow more in faith, heart, and they know just how to make me laugh, which many people say is the best medicine. I am also thankful to all of my college friends because they work with me on homework, listen to me when I need to talk, and they know how to make me feel better and brighten my day. Lastly, I want to thank God for all of my friends back home for continuing to be a light in my life even when living several hours away. I cannot thank them enough for their great encouragement and love!

Now I have to give some gratitude to my professors. Some people in college don’t always get professors that they really agree with or want. However, that is not the case for me and so that is why I am so very appreciative for all of them. Some, at times, may challenge us, but college is meant to challenge us a little. How helpful and effective would our classes and professors be if they made the class easy? I really did get blessed with some amazing teachers this semester.

There is one more “thank you” that I need to get out. And that gratitude goes to the LSC (Lutheran Student Center). I can’t begin to tell how much of an impact they have had on my life in college. I want to thank everyone that has taken part. That includes all of the friends I have made, all of those who teach bible study, everyone who provides us with a nice dinner before bible study, those who support the LSC, and lastly, everyone in the LSC that has taken time to drive me to LSC events and church. Whether it be in Bible study or just a bunch of us going to play laser tag together,
everyone involved in the LSC has helped me to grow in my faith and made a huge impact on my life in college!

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1Thessalonians 5:18).

I hope that after hearing everything I am thankful for that it will help you to sit down and think about what you are grateful for too. Sometimes in college, it is hard to think of how others help in a positive way. I know I started out thinking about the negative aspects of college and then (thanks to my mom for sure) I realized that I can be thankful for what I have everyday because I am truly blessed with so much, even when time are tough. Above all, I am thankful for knowing that God is always with me. He definitely deserves our thanks and praise at all times because he is the one that provides us with everything and everyone that we are thankful for!

“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” (Revelation 7:12)

Contributed by Frankie