Thankful for the little things

Every year I find myself writing a piece on all of the things I am thankful for, whether for myself or to be shared with others. This year, I am thankful to be sharing a short list of things I am thankful for with the UD community. It has truly become home over this past semester.

I try to focus on the little things when reflecting on gratitude and thanksgiving. Sure, I have had so many wonderful, major events take place this year that I am abundantly thankful for, like my first trip to Florida to meet my cousin's baby, becoming president of Catholic Life (a beautiful club we have on campus!), and so many more. But it's the little things that keep me going in each day — little things have greatly shaped who I am today. So here are two things that seem little in every day life, but over the past year have become big things that greet me every day.

I am thankful for the sky. Each sunset is a little "hello" from God, a reminder that I am not alone and that life is sweet, a beautiful way to seal each day. This summer was a summer of watching sunsets and taking pictures of the moon, of capturing it and making art about it. The sky is a frequent reminder of why I am an artist, and it inspires me to continue choosing art every day.

I am thankful for the chapel, for how it is the center of our campus. It has become a resting place for me. I stop in frequently, whether reroute to classes and meetings, or just to get out of my room and take a break. I am thankful that exposition of the Eucharist in the Monstrance is a daily occurrence on campus (on weekdays, at least!), and that I get to sit face-to-face with the giver of all these beautiful gifts and tell Him of my gratitude. That is a big gift!