I’m not one to cry often, but 2017 has seen some tears. Some from sadness, frustration, heartbreak, anger and the general sense that I have no idea what I’m doing in this life. But I’ve been blessed with a year of tears from being overwhelmingly loved. Loved by a God who desires a deeply personal relationship with me. Loved (sometimes maybe too much) by parents who are always encouraging me in life. Loved by a brother and sister who never cease to impress me as the years go on. Loved by friends, even though I tend to embarrass them in public (a lot). So, I wanted to take a little time before I embark on this crazy adventure that is 2018 to say ‘thank you’ to all of those who’ve bombarded me with love this past year.
God – Thank you for being ever patient with me. For staying by me as I spent a decade of my life aimlessly wandering this world in search of happiness. Thank you for opening my eyes to what my life can and should look like. For giving me this opportunity to spend an entire year on fire for you and to help prepare me for a life where that fire never dies. Thank you for blessing me with family and friends who support and encourage my relationship with you. Ultimately, thank you for giving me this beautiful life, the opportunity to walk it with you and spread the good news!
Mom & Dad – You guys are downright the best people I know. It’s been truly an honor being your child. Over the past two months of living back at home I’ve been amazed to see you walking your faith out from day to day. Mom, you are silly, warm-hearted and have so much love for God that it can bring you to tears. Dad, you are hilarious, hard working and the steadfastness you have in your faith is something I truly look up to. You both are such a blessing on everyone you encounter and I can only hope I live a life of faith like the two of you. Also, thanks in advance for however long you need to house your unemployed youngest daughter in 2018.
Nicole & Jason – We’re not the type of siblings to really gush on how much we love each other, but I’m leaving for a year so I’m allowed to gush just a little here! Thank you so much for encouraging me through this process. I don’t think I say it enough, but I am so proud of the two of you. You don’t think much about adulthood growing up, but you both are truly killing this whole ‘adult’ thing. Jason, I truly could not ask for a cooler brother. Nicole, you have created the most perfect human and have made me the most proud ‘cool’ aunt in all the land. I’m anxiously waiting to see where this next chapter of ‘adulthood’ takes all of us. Thank you in advance if I need to sleep on your guys’ couches for a bit when I’m back!
Friends – I get overwhelmed sometimes thinking about the people God has blessed me with in this little life of mine. Over the last couple years between old friends and new ones, God has seriously blessed me. Thank you so freaking much! I don’t think I’ve ever felt so loved and supported by people outside my family than I have over the last couple of years. I want to say a special ‘thank you’ to my friends in Chicago. Despite the fact that I’m ‘ditching’ for a year, you all made my last few months in the city so filled with joy that it literally has brought me to tears and will probably bring me to more tears. Even though I can be embarrassing most of the time and maybe a little too loud you still somehow made the conscious decision to hang out with me until the very last seconds before leaving. Still debating if my parents really are paying you guys to be my friends… if it’s true, then you guys definitely need to ask them for a raise! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Thank you 2017 for bringing me here… I can’t wait to see what 2018 has to offer!
