From a Thankful Heart – The Six Pack
Last year I wrote a blog entry at Christmas called, "From a Thankful Heart" that focused on all the people that God used in the past year. That list of people has remain relatively unchanged, although God has brought (and continues to bring) new people into my life. But today, I want to focus on a special group of friends that I mentioned last year, but I didn’t expound upon.
The group of friends I’m referring to would be "The Six Pack," aptly named by Faith’s Nan because there are six of us. As I look back, it amazes me how much we’ve done together and how most of us had crossed each other’s paths prior to forming this friendship. I’d like to take a moment to tell you briefly about each of them and what I’ve learned from them. So here they are, in no particular order… ladies first, of course… 
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I met Stephanie many years ago at a program we both volunteered for called Y-Press, I even crossed her path a few times recognizing her when she worked at Blockbuster in Westfield. But we didn’t truly become friends until a couple of years ago. In fact, I think it was either her or Betsy that invited me to an Indians game where I really got to know Chad… I don’t know whether to thank her for this privilege or shun her. Ha ha! Just kidding!
I think that I love Steph because in many ways she reminds me of me: always working to please the people she loves, having great conversations over a cuppa chai, always thoughtful of her own thoughts and actions (as well as that of others), and always striving to be a better person than she was the day before.
Stephanie, you are truly a great friend and I am so blessed to have you in my life (even in your excitable "Stephie Lu" moments). Ha ha!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Stephanie, it’s to be more intentional about listening to others, to be a good listener, and to encourage others. I’m not perfect, but I’m glad I have her as an example.
Betsy crossed my path a few years ago when I was an intern at Grace and she came to a small group gathering with our friend Amanda. With the dynamics of the small group, I wasn’t quite sure if lil’ Miss Betsy would stick around, but she did and I am so thankful.
I think the thing I love most about Betsy is her energy and the ability to make all of us smile so much. Betsy has such a great spirit and I think that shows greatly when we go places and there’s always SOMEONE that knows her. In other realms, I’ve seen a lot of competitive challenges thrown at her by Chad and Andrew and she is able to dish it right back.
Betsy, I was tempted to name you "Sporty Spice" because you add such a flavor to the group that nobody else can. You know that I get excited everytime I see you and I hope you know it’s because of the joy you bring into all of our lives!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Betsy, it’s to soak in all of life’s blessings and show love to others. When I see Betsy’s face light up when she sees a special needs child, it reminds me of how we are to love others.
Faith and I had crossed paths a couple of times since we both attend Grace, but I didn’t really get to know her until we all started hanging out as a group. I got to tell you, that she may seem shy, but when she opens up, you’d better watch out!
The thing I love most about Faith is her fun and caring spirit. I called her the compassionate one because I get to hear about all the fun (and loads of work) she has with her students. When she talks about them, you can tell she cares. When you talk to her students, you know that they love her. Some things you must know about her: she has a slight addiction to Burt’s Bees chapstick, she often talks to herself in the third person, does pretty good impersonations of her students, and she is a master at defeating Chad’s insults.
Faith, you are truly one-of-a-kind and such a fun dynamic to the group. I’ve learned a lot from you and so thankful for the times I’ve gotten to spend with you and your family. You are truly a blessing and it shows… even in your "special" moments.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Faith… hmmm, this is difficult… but I think the biggest thing I’ve learned from her is the importance of family. That girl is truly herself when she’s around them and that is truly awesome.
I met Andrew when he first moved to town. I didn’t know what to think of him then and it took me a while in the first stages of our friendship to truly "get" Andrew.
The thing I love most about Andrew is how he can go from being completely boyish to completely mature with a flip of the switch. I don’t mean this in a bad way, no. I think he strikes a good balance of knowing how to stay young, while not forgetting that life includes serious moments that require great insight. And when you see Andrew at his most "boyish," you would think that there wasn’t a serious side… but alas, there is… and he can be very deep.
Andrew, you are truly a piece of work. But I see how hard you work to make sure we have fun as a group, but are there to have many introspective moments as well. I wasn’t sure what to think of you at first, but you’ve shown just how great of a guy you are and I’m honored to call you "friend."
The thing I’ve learned most from Andrew is that it’s okay to be crazy once in a while. But in all seriousness, Andrew is incredibly smart and at times I’m always wanting to learn more on various topics just to keep up with him.
As I mentioned earlier when talking about Steph, I think I really came to know Chad when we went to an Indians game a couple of years ago, it’s been a journey ever since.
The thing I love most about Chad is the "b.s." he brings to the group. I don’t mean this in a bad way, but as you know, Chad does have his "b.s." moments (and the accompanying voice) that make us laugh incredibly hard. He dishes it out and is able to take it back so well. In a way, he can be like Andrew… able to have plenty of fun, but also able to be incredibly insightful. As a writer, I find it kind of hard to define who Chad is… since his personality is indescribable.
Chad, I am so glad to call you friend. I enjoyed the times you lived nearby and we’d go workout at the Monon Center together, watching you "propose" to girls even though you said you’d stopped doing it, seeing you happily dance around the room when we celebrated your first new house, and I love how you’ve made Stephanie into your personal assistant. And don’t lie, she helps you out a lot, and I think it’s hilarious. Ha ha! You (and I) are so lucky to have a friend like Steph!
The thing I’ve learned most from Chad is to have goals and work towards them. It’s not my greatest strength, but despite all the "b.s." he dishes out, he seems to have a pretty good head on his shoulders. Ha ha!