Josiah Road

Thanksgiving

posted by Sarah Gallagher 24Nov

Thanksgiving break is just around the corner. This means the campus will soon be deserted, carpooling will be arranged, and everyone will soon gather around tables across the country with their families. It is a time of celebration, relaxation, good food and fun. Yet somehow in this flurry of activity, I always seem to forget what giving thanks is really about. Sure it’s cliché to say that and come back with a list of people, memories, and possessions you are thankful for – but I had an experience the other day that reminded me of what it really means to be thankful.

The other day I received an email from someone in admissions instructing me on the scholarship renewal process. Not thinking much of it but noting the due date, I moved on with my email-checking. Later I went back and began to fill out the form systematically, plugging in my name, ID number, major and basic information. Then I came to a part entitled “thank you note #1.” As I read the description, I realized we had to write a note to the family or organization that provided our scholarship. At first I thought it would be a drag – just the usual polished, wordy thank-you which really boiled down to a “yeah, thanks” with the amount of heart put into it. However, as I began to write I realized that another person was on the receiving end of my letter and then I realized how much this one person or family has played a significant role in changing my life.

As I began to write, I poured out my heart and my sincere gratitude as I was able to tell the one person or family how much their contribution really meant to me as a person. I told them my plans for the future, and not just because it was something I had to do, but because I wanted them to know how their contribution was building me into the person I want to become by allowing me to be shaped by such an incredible university. I begin to feel awful for even thinking of writing a heartless, cheap thanks and found myself pouring out my heart and gratitude to this donor. I realized how powerful their sacrifice was and how instrumental this person, who I have never even met, has been in my life.

It is with this mindset and heart that I want to approach Thanksgiving this year. I don’t want to take a single thing for granted. I want to remember the people who I have forgotten and live outside of myself to thank those who have shaped me and loved me and praise the God who has given me all these blessings. He is so worthy and His plans are so great.

Ultimately, I want to thank Him this Thanksgiving for the blessings He has gifted me with and even for the trials He has allowed so I may be shaped into the person I am today. May our eyes be opened and our hearts renewed in the grace of God as we experience gratitude and live outside of ourselves this Thanksgiving season. God is great and is worthy to be praised!