Over the Past Year, I Give Thanks

What a year it has been, since Thanksgiving last year. I could type for days, the list of things I am thankful for, but I will spare you. There are some things in particular that very clearly stand out to me. Above all, I thank God for tearing me away from the life that I had planned for myself. The life I had planned was one of emptiness and selfishness. The one that now lies before me is very uncertain, but certainly full of joy. I thank God for proving me wrong and pushing me into something new.

I am thankful for new opportunities. As I stepped away from my plans of acting on the stage, I walked right into a band. Ben, Ben, Nate, Kevin, Alex and Noah. I am so happy when I am with these ridiculous boys, the "misfits", as Ben called us the other day. We hang out once a week and make music together and they are dear friends. It's also a chance to ensure that I see my dear brother once a week.

I am thankful for being let down. When I didn't become an SMC (again, my own plan), it was very hard for me. But through that let-down, I joined group staff. Though group was not the perfect situation right off the bat, it has turned into one of the biggest blessings in my life. Scott, Scotty, Brian, Braden, Gabe, Bob, Mary, Aly, Kael, Cristina and Leanne. Oh my word, how I adore them. Their quirks, their hearts, their minds, their prayers, their hugs, their encouragement and their love. They're great and I now treasure those fifteen hours a week that I spend with them.

I am thankful for Fourth Hill. The summer before I went to SPU, it was just a room number. A year later, it was a place that shaped me into an entirely different person. It was a place that helped me to grow, to live differently and to love in a way I had never known. Em, Jill, Rachael, Lauren, Lara, Mary, Heather, Jamie, Becky, Bryn, Alyssa, Becky Jo, Sarah, Kristin, Beckah, Grace, Teylar, Alina, Caitlyn, Katherine, Leanne, Anna, Candice, Mary, Missy, Aly, Liz, Jessica, Rachel, Valerie, Emily, Ali, Krista, Jenna, Megan, Emma, Anna, Natalie, Nicole, Hannah, Dani and Jessica. Those girls, each and every one of them, have been a part of my life and I am so grateful to them. I am grateful to Teylar, for keeping us all together and I am grateful to that silly triple from Ashton-Jessica, Rachel and Valerie-for teaching me how to live.

I am thankful for the Ballard crew. Dan, Adrienne, Irene, Spencer, Erin and Daniel. No matter how many times I am too busy to hang out, I am always invited. They keep pushing and pulling and they'll never let me go and it makes me so glad. They, not too long ago, were a huge part of my life and I would hate for that to disappear entirely. I thank them for not being bitter when I could no longer be involved in the play that we were planning. I thank them for still loving me, even when I do things that should let them down.

I am thankful for those who aren't afraid to tell it like it is. Professor Wolfe: She taught me what love truly is and I realized that I wasn't truly loving. My closest friends: They keep me in check and they don't let me get away with things that are no good. Dr. Ediger: Though her class is ridiculously tough right now, the whole class has taught me to look at the world through much different eyes. My dad (also, my pastor): For teaching me that we live in a dark world and that we are the ones who are able to bring the light. Bob (group 08-09): It taught me to let go. To leave what I know and step into something new. Not only did it teach me that, it also gave me the strength and courage to do so.

I am thankful for those relationships that are hanging by a thread: They're still being held by that thread and, so long as the thread doesn't break, they will be easily mended in the days to come. For those that have broken, I will still search for the supplies and the strength to mend them. But I know I will be able to, I always am.

I am thankful for Kristi and Noah. My best friends in the world, I could ask for nothing more. I am thankful for the times I get to spend with them and the lives that we share with one another. They are the ones who keep me going and I love them so much.

I am thankful for my parents. The fact that I get to see them so often, even though I'm "away" at school. I thank them for the opportunities they bring into my life and the support they show, even though I have no idea what I'm doing.

I am thankful for the peaceful moments betwixt the madness. The moments when the sun hits the window just right. When the leaves fall like snow. When the sound of a piano is faintly heard above the murmur of friends. When the rain falls so fast that the world can barely handle it. When Anna and I lie in bed and all is said that needs to be said, even when no words are spoken. When the snow makes the world go slower.

I am thankful for the joyful moments in midst of sadness. When my arm is grabbed and I am dragged in the rain to go puddle jumping. When I laugh so hard I cry. When I can drop the books and go play hopscotch. When we get into our footie pajamas. When we can forget the world and school for just a second and pretend we are kids again.

It's a good life, a good year and for that, I give thanks. There is much to be thankful for and that is reason enough to celebrate Thanksgiving.