From a Thankful Heart

Perhaps one of my favorite things about Christmas is driving up to Tipton, IN for Midnight Mass at my uncle’s church. While I’m no longer Catholic, I am still a follower of Jesus Christ and going to Mass is kind of like going home for me. I get to see some familiar faces, sing some old hymns, listen to the liturgy/chants that were a part of my spiritual growth many years ago.

But the greatest thing about going to Midnight Mass is driving back home and taking time to reflect on how God has blessed me. This year, I have had an abundance of blessings in the midst of my own powerlessness. A lot of things happened (read that post here) in 2007-2008 that have re-shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

So, here are some of the people that I’m thankful for this year:

My Ultimate BFFs – Ryan and Noah

Guys, you have been awesome friends as I’ve dealt with my breakup. Ryan has always been the one to listen while Noah has been the one to remind me to man-up. Now that I think about it, that’s a pretty good combination to have! You guys have always been there for me and I’m very blessed to have you in my life. I can’t wait until we’re sharing a cloud in heaven… and I’m sure Noah will have a High-Def TV and PS3 for us.

My “Brother” Jake
Jake, I’ve known you since I was like 12. You used to be really annoying and for some strange reason, I still hang out with you. Only difference now is that you are annoying, but you also pack a weapon, so I don’t call you out on it as much. Ha ha!

It’s been awesome to see you grow up to be a somewhat productive member of society and it amazes me that you haven’t been to prison. Ha ha! I appreciate hanging out with you and I’m glad your parents consider me part of the family (although I’m still waiting for them to buy me a gun). You’re awesome dude, stay the course.

My “Family”
I put family in quotation marks because the people I’m talking about aren’t my real family: Stephanie, Chad, Faith, Betsy, and Andrew. It has been so great getting to know you and hang out with you. Sometimes I begin to think we hang out too much, yet we still love each other and continue to put up with each other (especially with Chad trying to hook up with everyone’s sister!). I greatly appreciate our friendship and look forward to seeing where God takes us!

My “Extended Family”
Ahhh, there are those of you who are just as important: Erin, Colin, Johnny, Kat, Rachel, Ali, Jennifer, Carrie, Ashley, Kristi, Rachel Naz (I hope I’m not forgetting anyone!). You all are awesome for tolerating me like you do… especially Kristi and Rachel when I constantly would come down to your office to talk, you never turned me away, ya’ll are awesome.

Colin, you are my geeky friend, that is a great title to have. Erin, you are my Starbucks angel and always great to have conversations with. Johnny… you have a lot of gas… LOL (try some Bean-O man!). Kat and Rachel, you two are hilarious… and Kat, I love that you’re always online in the wee hours of the night so I have someone to talk to. Ashley, I’m glad that I can take you on “dates” as Brad’s proxy, you’re an awesome lady.

My Friend, Rick
Dude, you know I’m including you on this list because if I didn’t, you’d give me shit. Ha ha! You’ve always been there for me and I appreciate that. You’ve been an awesome and dedicated father to Eliza and this makes you truly awesome. Thanks for hanging with me all these years.

My Co-Workers
Scott, Serena, Brian, Mighty, Kerri, Steve, Adam, Tim, Ron, D Bell, Teri, Ruth… ahh, the list could go on forever. I am so thankful for all of you. You have made my first year here at Grace a good one with your patience, understanding, helpfulness. Tim, I love going to lunch with you and Vinnie and I’m glad I can teach Vinnie new phrases (“What’s up dude?!”). David “D Bell,” you’ve been there for me when times have been extremely hard for me… thank you.

My Family
Mom and Dad, you’ve been wonderful and wonderfully graceful with me all these years. We’ve had some hard times together, but we continue to make it through. Dad, I appreciate you being there for me when I need you. Mom, I’m so glad that I can share everything with you… I honestly don’t know how you put up with me (I guess I’ll figure that out when I have kids of my own). To my brother Micah, you are the best big brother I could ask for. Kreig and Eric… you guys are alright too (even though you’re giving Patches second-hand smoke, LOL).

Wow, that’s a lot to be thankful for and there are so many others that I’m thinking of right now. When 2008 started out, it started out to be one of the most depressing years for me in recent memory… thanks for pulling me through. I love you all!