Take time to be thankful this season

Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with tradition. For my family, we eat too much food and watch too much football at Grandma’s house, then put up our Christmas tree and start the holiday season. Everyone has their traditions, but one tradition that everyone has is the day full of thankfulness.

I am thankful so much this year.

First, I am thankful for my family that supports me in anything I do. They are always helping me in any way they can. My parents have raised my siblings and me into four very di◊erent and hard-working people, but we all still get along and love each other.

Starting college has made me thankful for my friendsbecause, as we all went our separate ways, I know that no matter how far away they are, they would still be there for me when I need them. Best friends are hard to find and I am so thankful I found my best friend, Hannah. We are alike in so many ways, but opposites on some things. We never run out of things to talk about and we can tell when something is wrong with the other.

I am thankful for all of the amazing people who are, or have been, in my life. Each and every one has impacted my life more than they willknow. Some have taught me life skills and lessons. Others have just taught me that friendship is a special thing.

No matter, if you even just smiled at me one day or let me out during rush hour tra◊c, you are a blessing.

Life is full of hidden blessings.

I am thankful for living in such an amazing part of the United States. We are so blessed here with amazing communities, jobs and educational opportunities throughout northwest Arkansas. The small town feel of almost every city makes even strangers feel at home.

I am also so thankful for that natural state and all of its natural beauty. Driving to Pea Ridge every day in fall is a beautiful scene.

I am thankful for the freedom in this country and for those who fight for that freedom. Our servicemen put their lives on the line so I can go to church, get an education and have a future in this country.

This time of year makes me reflect on my life and the choices I have made. We shouldn’t wait until Thanksgiving to tell someone that they are a blessing in our lives. We should always be thankful and let people know we are.

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Editor’s note: Laura Marts is a native of Bentonville, a 2013 graduate of Bentonville High School, a student at NWACC and news clerk at The TIMES of Northeast Benton County.

Opinion, Pages 4 on 11/27/2013