Thanksgiving– a time to appreciate the things we have in life. We don’t seem to express it enough, but there is so much to be grateful for. Our homes, our schools, our families, anything and everything. This time of year is the time sentimental, and express the feelings we’ve had all year. I, for example, am thankful that I have the ability to do and be whatever I please. Some others around the school shared what they were grateful for as well.
What are you most thankful for this year?
“My friends.”
“Autumn [sitting next to her].”
“That I can wear my crocs every day to school.”
“Food, [and] my cats.”
“Making money.”
“I’m thankful for my parents, I’m thankful for my grades. I’m thankful for life.”
“My family. My dogs, my friends.”
“My family, my friends.”
“Food.”
“My girlfriend. She’s the best.”
“Life.”
“My brother being there for me.”
“I don’t know.”
“Free education.”
“I’m thankful for books.”
“A roof over my head.”
“America lasting this long.”
This sentiment is, of course, sweet, as are most expressions of appraisal. There is, however, another side to this that needs to be recognized. What do people take advantage of? It may seem that we have all we need in life because of unknown reasons, but that is simply not the case. There is always something leading the life you have that most likely goes unnoticed. With the things modern day Americans are provided with, it’s astonishing what we don’t consider. Some more students gave us their view on the topic, and in their wake left some things to consider.
What have you taken for granted?
“My parents not suspecting me of doing anything wrong.”
“I take advantage of all the materials. All the things that I have because there are some people who live in other places that are not able to have food [and] water. I take advantage of food a lot.”
“Physical things, like walking and having all my appendages. And food, too.”
“I can get a lot of stuff that other people can’t. I have it better than most people.”
“Time.”
“Seeing the people I love every day.”
“My freedom.”
“My parents.”
“Sanity.”
“The things my family has done for me. And how proud they are of me.”
“My teachers, man. They’re always willing to do anything for me to be successful.”
“The equality we have nowadays. Go back about fifty years and I woulda been sent to jail for just walking down the wrong street.”
“Clean drinking water.”
“The things my parents do for me. I don’t try to, but it happens.”
As you can see, thankfulness is a two-way street. There is, of course, being thankful in the respective sense, but there is also the things we do not appreciate outright. We, as a people, need to appreciate the small things– or maybe rather large things we don’t notice– more often. It is also important to be sparing with our indulges rather than wasteful, as there are people who need those resources much more than we do.
The lesson learned here is to express your commendation– it is Thanksgiving, after all. Tell people what you are thankful for. Help out people who don’t necessarily have everything they need, like perhaps volunteering at a nursing home or homeless shelter. Don’t take advantage of the things you have been graced with; use the resources you have to help those who don’t. Most importantly, do this in your everyday life, not just on Thanksgiving. Yes, the holiday provides a good reason, but it is not the only time it is necessary. Last, of all, have a happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for your time.