I have no right to be writing about taking things for granted. I do it all the time. God has given me everything I have and I don’t thank him nearly enough. All of us are so blessed and we haven’t done anything to deserve it. So I’m going to take some time to reflect on what I have to be thankful for, especially in this busy time as we near the end of the school year.

Speaking of being busy with school and homework, one thing I take for granted is our school. We attend Dordt College and are getting a great education. You are here for a reason. Despite busy schedules, work hard and glorify God in everything you are involved in.

A verse that encourages me is Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

In order to pay for school we need jobs. We complain about not being able to find part-time summer work, and yes it can be hard to find, but keep in mind the thousands of people who have families and houses and bills to pay who haven’t had work in years. It’s true that we need money to pay for tuition, but consider all the help you are receiving through grants, scholarships, family contributions, and trust that God will provide.

When it comes to the people in my life, I am seriously blessed. I have the best family ever and it’s easy to take them for granted when I am away from home and don’t see them often. Make sure to let your family know you think of them and pray for them, because they are thinking and praying for you constantly.

We also need to remember to thank God every day for our friends. They are family while we’re here and we need to love them, appreciate their friendship, and treat them as you would like to be treated… God puts people in your life for a reason.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is an awesome verse to keep in mind. It says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

So be happy, be thankful, and praise our Lord with everything and in everything.

Rachel Mulder, Columnist