Be Thankful, Always
Chelsea Anglin
It can be hard to be thankful.
Reflecting on recent current events has left me evermore convinced of this. How much easier it is to let the gravitational pull of negativity push me down further into the mire of pessimism that is so, so, accessible. National security is questionable, the papers I have due this week are certain, and visions of pumpkin pie and turkey stuffing seem to be nothing more than foggy memories or distant dreams.
Yet God calls us to be thankful, always, and for everything.
In the NIV translation of Ephesians chapter five, Paul gives clear instructions to believers for giving thanks, saying, “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, (verse 20) always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It is wonderful that we take one day out of the year to focus on thanksgiving and to remember the many blessings that to quickly slip our forgetting minds, but we are commanded to be in a constant state of thanksgiving.
As I walked the grounds of Bethel on a wet and windy November day, I stopped to ask students, faculty and staff what they are thankful for now. I hope their answers cause you to reflect, if only for a moment, on the things you’re thankful for in your own life, and furthermore that it causes you to sing, and make music and give thanks to the Lord.
“I’m thankful for new life,” – Matthew Stackowicz, Director of Career Development and Experiential Learning
“Right now I’m thankful for this sandwich, and I’m thankful that Donna swiped for me,” – Curtis Armentrout, Liberal Studies, South Bend, Ind.
“I’m thankful that it was buy one get one free at Starbucks, and that I went every day this week,” – Donna Azcuna, Psychology, Granger, Ind.
“I’m thankful for my cat, Regi,” – Rebecca Taber, American Sign Language Interpreting, Palisade, Colo.
“I’m thankful that our community truly values Bethel’s influence. Our service is working. I’m also really thankful for Krispy Kreme,” – President Chenoweth
“Coffee,” – Zachary Nelson, Graphic Design, Granger, Ind.
“Family, friends and soccer. The ability to walk and just the little things in life,” – Octavian Sayumwe, Business Administration, Burundi, Africa
“I’m thankful for moss, moths and behemoths. Also, for the wisdom of Job 1:21,” – Cristian Mihut, Associate Professor of Philosophy
“I’m thankful for being able to rent a $1,800 camera lens for less than $100,” – Hannah Reinke, Graphic Design, Flora, Ind.
“I’m thankful for friends and family that support me in every endeavor, and this community that feels like home,” – Trisha Cousino, Intercultural Studies and Communication, Archbold, Ohio.
Join in the conversation by commenting with what you’re thankful for this holiday season!
When I matriculated into Bethel, the college was only ten years old; courses, services, facilities and faculty were few and basic. Yet I have always been deeply grateful for the seeds those dedicated professors sowed into my life. During my four years at Bethel, I was instructed, challenged, wisely guided, given important opportunities, befriended and prayed for. I have always been very thankful for my Bethel experience!
(correction: Bethel was 16 years old when I entered)
Thank you for sharing about your experience, Kay! And thank you for reading Bethel Magazine! – Lissa Diaz, Director of Publications
U are right