Blessings and Thanksgivings
By Joseph P.
Thankful message Thanksgiving theme by Melpomenem from Getty Images Created in Canva
Fall is the season of thankfulness, and with the abundant blessings God gives us throughout the year, it is an excellent time to take a moment and recognize what we are thankful for and how He has worked in our lives.
Students at NSA are thankful for various events, people, and blessings. When asked how she believed God had blessed her, Isabelle said, “I've been blessed with amazing friends, a loving community, and opportunities to shine the light of Christ.” When asked what she was most thankful for, Ellie B. said, "Family, friends, mentors, and others that care about me and are a part of my life.”
Students were also asked who they were the most thankful for this year. Riley answered this question by saying she was thankful for Isabelle since “...she has been such a great friend and one I am so proud to call my friend.” Alex M. said “I am most thankful for my family and my friends, since they really help me from day to day. Specifically, my parents and my close friends at NorthStar Academy.”
When asked what little things in life he felt were the most important to take time to appreciate, Alex M. said, “I would say it is important to appreciate free time in your day, since it gets far rarer as you grow up. Also, it is important to appreciate the moments you have with your family and friends, since those are true blessings.” Additionally, Isabelle said, “I think that we should appreciate our health more regularly. It truly is a blessing, and I have seen in my life how difficult life is when your health is not the greatest.” Similarly, Ellie B. said it is most important to appreciate “The opportunities you have in your day to day life. Life can get stressful and busy, so taking time to appreciate the opportunities you've been given in life is important.”
Thankfulness is an essential attribute of NSA’s values as students overcome challenges and recognize God’s work in their lives. When asked what their favorite verses about thankfulness were, students mentioned 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:17, and Psalm 95. The passage 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (Bible Gateway).
This year, students have been blessed in many ways through the friends, family, and opportunities they have been given. This shows how God has worked in their lives and is faithful in blessing and guiding us in our times of need. As Proverbs 3:5-6 fittingly states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (BibleGateway).
Columns: 🗓️Seasonal 🧑🚀NSA Culture
Joseph P. lives with his parents and an older sibling in Arizona, USA. He is new to writing for the Navigator this year, but this is his third year at NorthStar. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, reading books, and collecting United States coins. He hopes to become a computer hardware engineer in the future.