Thanksgiving is coming up, and this year being my senior year, I'm reflecting on what I should be thankful for the past three years. I believe that God has had a huge part in providing everything I needed, although it was not everything I wanted.

I realized even more this year that I have lots to be thankful for. I'm thankful for a family that has stayed strong through tough times. By this time next year, I won't be seeing them everyday, and I should cherish the time that remains. I won't be around to see my sister through her final 2 years of high school, nor my brother's four. As often as my parents tell me to protect my sister, I have always felt she's been protecting me. My little brother, he's always made my day. He's just too cute to say no to. He looks up to me a lot, and it is very apparent. Better start trying to rub off something positive on them.

This year, my friendships have matured to a level that I didn't know was possible. Although I don't talk much with some friends, it's good to know that they will always be there for me, and I'll be there for them. Experiences in my mission trip to Window Rock and in the ultimate Camp Impact have strengthened many friendships, and with such a strong foundation, they should not crumble.
(Worship team, don't forget the significance of pure nard. For those who don't get it, I'll eventually get around to explaining it)

A special thanks to the "Roger's group" for taking me in. For letting in a person who had relatively little social standing into your circle of friends. I admire you all for being able to stick together since middle school. You're a very decent bunch of people. I use the term "decent" in the most complimentary way.

I strongly believe that the Lord does provide. And this includes our abilities and our grades. My grades definitely don't reflect what I am capable of doing, but in my head I know that my screw-ups were all part of something HUGE, a plan too large to comprehend, but a plan that is ultimately perfect.

For example, I made a really good friend in the midst of my biggest academic screw-ups, and our friendship definitely changed me. The part that's hard to comprehend is that IF I had done well and worked hard all throughout school, I would have never made friends with this person, and the thought of not having this friend shook me up a little. If I were to ask God to change my past, would I? If I went back and made the most of my potential during school, I would definitely be less worried about which college I'm will attend, and feel less guilty about myself, but I'd be missing out on a friend who's changed me. I ask myself "Would I be more thankful if I had better grades, and never have met this person, or receive less than fantastic grades for a fantastic friend?" If I could change the past, would I? I know I shouldn't change it, the past is perfect, but there's always a part of me wanting to get the grades I deserve, and ditch the friend, and this thought scares me. I should be thankful with what I have, and not look at what I do not have. And I have to keep thinking this. I shouldn't forget.

So, in conclusion, I am thankful for the family and friends God has blessed me with. I hope you all are appreciative of what you have also.

posted by justin at 12:31 PM