A Thanksgiving Reflection (2025)

I decided that this year, I would begin a tradition of writing a Thanksgiving reflection. These will be times for me to share what I am thankful for specifically this past year and how I have seen the Lord prove Himself faithful in my life. Though I could write an endless list, I will contain my post to a few specific points of gratitude.

First, I am thankful for my job. This past year, I graduated from college and had a difficult time securing a job. I did a total of nine interviews and received a lot of rejection or radio silence from prospective employers. When I walked across the stage and received my diploma, I did not yet have a job. I was downcast, discouraged, and left with many questions. However, less than a week after graduating, I got a phone call with a job offer! Now, I get to teach my favorite subjects—reading and writing—and I genuinely enjoy what I do. I did not understand it during those few months of waiting and seeking, but looking back now, I am so thankful for that time and how the Lord took my eyes off of this world and my false sense of security, forcing me to rely on Him instead. 

I am also thankful for my family. I have grown closer to my family this past year, and I truly don’t know where I would be without them. Although we are adults now and no longer live together year-round, my siblings and I have grown closer. I have seen them grow in Christ, and I am grateful for their friendship. I have also seen in my family how, through loss, God brings us closer together and unites family members who previously did not know each other well. It is truly incredible how He works even the bad together for good.

Finally, I am thankful for the local church. I am thankful for the church I currently attend, where I have been able to learn many behind-the-scenes skills in ministry as well as practice preaching. I am also thankful for my home church, where I received my call to preach and am able to fellowship in a weekly young adult discipleship group. God intends for us to live in community with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and He has given me some truly great “spiritual siblings” to call my church family. 

But most of all, I am thankful to the Lord. Three weeks ago, I shared a post on this site where I wrote that I have now been a Christian for fifteen years. I don’t deserve the grace of God, but I am so grateful to be a recipient of it. I am so glad that God chose to save me, knowing what I had done and what I would do in my life. He loves us and died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Though I know my life will have its ups and downs, highs and lows, mountains and valleys, I can meet each blessing and each hardship with the assurance that Christ walks alongside me. He will remain faithful even when I am faithless, for He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13). 

I am thankful for the sustaining grace and presence of Jesus. I hope that you can say the same. If you can’t, reach out to Him today! You will never need another reason to be thankful. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Happy Thanksgiving!