I am very thankful for this season of life. A lot has changed for both dear Danielle and myself, as well as so many of you. At the time of this blog being posted, we will be on the road back to North Carolina. We’re not sure of what’s next for us, but we know that God has got a plan for our lives. I have been thinking back to our time here in Florida, and I am overwhelmed with thanks. This season is good for reflection, living a thankful life allows me to have a clear mind and see all the growth that has happened. That’s what this thanksgiving holiday has always meant to me, I think about all that has happened and have a chance to look back with thanks for all the joys in my life.

When we came down here, we had just left a tough time for the two of us. I lost my job and we both felt like we needed something new, and God answered that by stretching us in the best way. We both got jobs as Cast Members and that was an incredible moment, but it came with its’ own challenges. I was on the opening team and worked some crazy early mornings, but Danielle worked some crazy late nights. It was a difficult season, but allowed us to create intentional time with what we had. There was a lot of learning, and from that, so much growth.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what is truly important.

I know the origins of Thanksgiving are not the best, but the way I look at it now, is that it is a time to reflect on what is truly important to my life. I like to take time and understand how everything has grown and shaped me to who I am now. I am so thankful that I have a God who deeply loves me, and has given me so many opportunities. The frustrations in life and the speedbumps along the way don’t deserve to have control over me, what matters are the people who have invested in me and the joys that come from growth. Take time to reflect on what is important in your life, write it down, have a moment to think about what you value, and choose to give thanks for it all.

Thanksgiving reminds me of how important people are.

When I lost my job, I was angry at people. People who had pretended to invest in me ignored me and wrote me off, and that was a tough hardship when losing a job in a church. I was so frustrated, but God worked on my heart during my time here in Florida. My family supported me, dear Danielle continually encouraged me, and the people I worked with at Galaxy’s Edge made me feel so loved. People are important. Family isn’t just blood, it’s the people who encourage and support you every day. People are made in the image of God, just like you, and that means that they have been made with a purpose. We all are important, even the people who aren’t so nice to you, everyone is made by God and is worthy of love. Take time to reflect and reach out to the family in your life, especially in a season of isolation, a text or FaceTime call can mean so much.

Maybe it’s felt like I have rambled, my mind is in packing and moving mode, I just really love the season of Thanksgiving. There are so many amazing things and people in my life, and I love being able to reach out and thank God for them in my life. Reflecting on your life does amazing things, it puts a perspective on that allows you to understand the blessings in front of you. Living a thankful life fills you with joy. It’s time to let go of the hurts of your past, and choose to be thankful for the blessings, that fills the future with joy. In this Thanksgiving holiday, you may be not with family in person and things may be a little different, but you have the opportunity to use this moment for a powerful impact. Reflect on what is important and remember to reach out to the people who have fought for you. Choose to live a thankful life in all things.

-Joshua Thomas

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About the Author: Joshua Thomas is a writer by day and superhero by night. When he’s not writing and crimefighting, you can find him reading a good book, sipping warm tea, taking pictures, or dreaming. The young writer doesn’t fully know what he’s doing, but is enjoying the journey of it all. You can follow his hipster photos and Jack Kerouac musings on Instagram @joshua_thomas__