“Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out.” Hebrews 10:24.

Even if you are not a Christian, this is something we should all strive to live by.

During the much needed Thanksgiving Break, most of us go home to see and be a part of things that we used to prior to our journey to Ames.

We see family and friends, eat great — and hopefully homemade — food, sleep on comfortable beds, take a break from homework and relive old memories.

My family members know, though not always with joy, that wherever I go, my camera comes with me. While at home, I flipped through old photographs and movie stubs and stopped for a moment to remember the good times.

In high school, we are mostly worried about social lives and doing what we want to do, especially with the newly found freedom of owning a car. In college, we still have fun, but our priorities are much different. It is easy to forget the small things we love and in turn, forget to spread that everyday love and happiness. Everything that we love is unique in its own way.

“I love wearing my pink cowboy boots.” — Heather VanDeWostine, sophomore in animal science.

“I love seeing new places and trying new foods.” — Julia Hetzel, sophomore in English.

“I love coming home and looking at myself without a mirror, stepping away to know what’s there.” — Gavin Sutherland, sophomore in English.

“I love hot showers on cold winter days.” — Kyle Larson, senior in accounting and finance.

“I love ketchup on anything and everything.” — Nick Seward, sophomore in aerospace engineering.

“I love eating pasta even though it’s bad for me.” — Laura Barnett, sophomore in history.

“I love it when you’re just about to run a barrel pattern and all you can hear is your heart beating and you can feel your horse breathing beneath you.” — Heidi Gansen, junior in animal science.

“I love the serenity following a thunderstorm.” — Aaron Hewitt, freshman in art and design.

“I love my horse, my dog and when dreams come true.” — Rita Cook, junior in agricultural business.

“I love sitting on my porch back home when it’s raining and just listening to it and feeling the cool air brush against my skin.” — Jessica Beisner, sophomore in accounting and international business.

“I love watching my daughter look at each new thing with such awe and amazement.” — Lisa McPherson, sophomore in agricultural education.

“I love the smell of hay and construction. Trust me, construction has a smell.” — Alicia Davison, junior in construction engineering.

“I love being spontaneous!” — Amanda Rosauer, sophomore in early childhood education.

“I love curling up and taking naps while sun streams in through the windows.” — Jake Tisinger, fifth-year student in landscape architecture.

“I love watching horses run, buck and work.” — Kyle Hatfield, senior in agricultural education.

“I love genuine experiences, because they are one of a kind.” — Clayton Severson, sophomore in biochemistry.

After someone close to us dies, we feel a deep sadness and cannot understand why others are not feeling the same. In this way, when we are doing the things we love, it is hard to imagine others not being as happy when in a similar situation.

As the holiday season approaches, and with much debate over the recent decisions of California and Connecticut, it is imperative that we remember these seemingly minor things we love and to spread that happiness to others.

It is said that those who judge others are really insecure. We are in college, a time for growing up, but some haven’t learned the lesson of everyday love yet. This isn’t something that can be found in a textbook or class, it has to be learned from the heart. It is a way of life we choose to live.

Who are we to judge and make fun of others? Who are we to say two people who love each other are wrong? I don’t have the answer and neither do you. It is a magical thing to really stop worrying about the way others are living their lives and to actually start living your own. It is the most powerful, exhilarating freedom, but it needs to start with love.

This season remember what it is to love and feel happiness and stop worrying about the way people are living in a way you disapprove.

Love them anyway.

Remember those who have wronged you and don’t choose revenge — love them anyway.

If you’ve thrown your heart out there and been rejected, don’t feel bitter — love them anyway.

Some would say this is living blindly, but that is not the case. It is simply about growing up and learning that we are all different. This to be celebrated, not judged.

If you have never felt love about anything then this is a good season to start. Happy Holidays.