2016

Today, I am grateful for the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen.

I have heard some say that 2016 was an awful year, perhaps one of the worst. Now, I can understand the disappointment, frustration, and sorrow regarding the tragedies that have been seen and broadcast this year. I can also understand such feelings at the passing of such greats as David Bowie or Carrie Fisher. Also, a fair chunk of America didn't like how the presidential election turned out.

But I am so very grateful for this year. For one, I'm sure there are other years in history that were actually worse than 2016 (for example, 2016 in America wasn't as bad as was, say 1929 when the Great Depression began).

For me (and likely many others in the world), 2016 was my best year yet. I graduated from college, fell in love, got a full time job, got married, and spent Christmas with my entire family (which hadn't happened in a few years).

I am grateful for 2016, and I look forward to the adventures and growth I will see in 2017.