"You're Too Blessed to be Stressed"?
It’s a cliché we’ve all heard, but don’t dismiss it too quickly.
Scientific research has demonstrated that practicing gratitude has health benefits.
What’s more, the idea of giving thanks is biblical. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs believers to “be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." What a command, especially in times of trial and uncertainty! The yearbook staff worked on photo gratitude journals individually and it turns out many students are thankful for the same things. We’ve organized some of our entries into categories, and we hope this collective photo journal will inspire you to elevate your level of thinking as well.
We are thankful this week for …
Animals
While being stuck in quarantine, I have gotten to spend a lot more time with my puppies. My puppies both have so much energy and love to play and run. I am so happy to get to spend more time with them now, especially as I am going off to college soon without them of course!
I’m thankful for Leonardo, the tailless squirrel who lives in my yard.
I am so thankful for my silly, loving dog, Roxy. She is always up for running around in the yard or going on an adventure, even though she is getting older and has cancer.
I am thankful for my gecko, Mona, who lets me dress her in ridiculous costumes.
I am thankful for my dog, Greg, as he has been the only friend I can see in person during this pandemic.
Nature
I am so thankful for the green on the trees and the flowers that are appearing around town and in my yard. I love looking up at the beautiful flowers and the clear blue skies.
Creativity
I am so thankful for my cameras and the beautiful things I get to capture with them. I am able to see God’s creation from a different perspective and I love it.
I am thankful for my instruments because I can express myself and keep myself entertained.
Future College
Simply blessed. My mom gave this sign to me recently to take to my college dorm in the fall. Little did we both know how much two words would have an impact on my life. Today, and every day, I look at this sign and remember just how blessed I am.
My college is something I am so beyond grateful for. I have been accepted and committed to High Point University in North Carolina. This was an answer to many prayers and every day I am more grateful for the many opportunities I will have and memories I will make. Around the house, there are many High Point reminders, both on the calendar, in my room, or little mugs! These are all reminders of the good that is coming and I'm very grateful for that.
Entertainment
I'm thankful for my Mom and I finished this 1000 piece puzzle.
I’m grateful for music because it can shape my attitude for the day. If I am stressed or anxious, I can plug in my headphones and block out the world for a little bit.
I'm thankful for card games. Being quarantined, it limits the things you can do. One of my favorite games to play is Dutch Blitz. It’s a face-paced card game that I have always enjoyed playing. I’m thankful for the excitement and entertainment I’m able to get by playing Dutch Blitz.
I am grateful for Netflix because it keeps me entertained through this whole pandemic. I am also grateful for how they installed Netflix Party because my future roommate and I always do it and it's so fun.
Family & Friends
I am thankful for my sister because she is always there for me when I need anything. She is there to give me advice when I need it. She is also helping me with a bunch of things for next year since I will be attending the same college as her.
I am thankful for my family.
Beds
I'm grateful for a nice, cozy bed that I can crawl into at the end of these long, uncertain days.
My bed. I often forget how blessed I am to have such a comfortable bed. Going on a mission trip to a poor area, I saw people who had to sleep on sheets on the floor. Ever since that trip, I thank God for an amazing bed.
Coffee
I am thankful for Dunkin' Donuts because it wakes me up in the morning so I can focus. I am also grateful that it does not close at 6 p.m. like the Starbucks by me currently does.
I'm grateful for coffee because it keeps me going when I'm working at home, a place where my brain usually tells me to relax.
Want to watch a cool video on gratitude? Here's a Christian business trainer discussing the importance of attitude in the workplace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3irmfCEhFJQ