30 thank you notes.

Lately I haven’t been so optimistic about life. Basically, I don’t like all this change. And then I realized how absolutely wonderful my life really is & I felt stupid for being so negative. So last night when I couldn’t sleep I decided to start being thankful for some of the good things in life, instead of only noticing the things I wish were different. So here are some of the people that make my life beautiful & full of worth:

Mom, thank you for being my absolute #1 supporter. After I talk to you, I feel like I can accomplish anything.

Dad, thanks for being a dad, husband, employee & pastor all at the same time. I don’t know how you do it—you’re my hero. You don’t get near the appreciation you deserve…I love you.

Caleb, thank you for telling me you love me every time I walk out the door, hang up the phone or tell you goodnight. Even if I don’t say it as much as you, I stinkin love you.

Rena, thanks for dreaming with me—it’s some of my most precious times.

Michelle, thanks for calling me even though I rarely pick up. I save all your voicemails. They make my heart happy.

Renay, thanks for letting me take over one of your rooms in Argentina & for letting me walk with you as you poured into my life.

Tara, thank you for always setting an example of what it means to be genuine & transparent. Your friendship means the world to me.

Deborah, thank you for understanding my attraction to Dr. Spencer Reid ;) I appreciate all of our talks about the ministry & what’s to come. Your dedication & hard work inspire me.

Alison, thanks for writing incredible poetry for me to read. And for encouraging me to write my own.

Bani, thanks for talking to me about anything and everything. One day we’ll meet in Argentina :)

Lauren, thanks for always being so full of joy & teaching me to embrace the little things in life. I love how you laugh at the littlest things; it’s contagious!

Bradley, thanks for sending me awesome things in the mail, like a Snuggie!

Tanci, thanks for being my sanity in high school & now often times in college as well. I love all the random notes & gifts you leave me—you always make me feel loved & understood.

Crisie, thanks for giving the best hugs known to mankind!

Debbie, thanks for drinking mate with me & throwing the best international parties ever! I love our friendship. I am so grateful to have a friend like you.

Isaac, thanks for always wanting to talk about deep things. I appreciate that.

Jawsh, thanks for hitting me in the head with a soccer ball which led to a great friendship.

Jessica, thanks for never failing to be a breath of fresh air. I’m so glad we met in Biology class!

Joe, thanks for making the best Starbucks frapps ever. I love passing all my ideas & thoughts by you because I respect & treasure your input.

Josh Blair, thanks for taking the whole gang to the Houston Rodeo! Definitely one of my top five favorite memories.

Kadottie, thanks for living with me in India for 6 weeks—such great (& sometimes scary, haha) times! Sometimes I still can’t believe we did it. Thanks for all the creative ideas you had for teaching English. I would have been lost without you!

Kelsey, thanks for always giving me a place to stay in Huntsville, even when I show up at your door unannounced. And for buying me a sweet blow up mattress for when I take over your living room!

Kyle, thanks for your humor that never allows me to stay angry at you for more than 5 minutes.

Melissa, thanks for always coming to hear me preach when I’m in Pasadena. And more importantly, for introducing me to Bride & Prejudice. Hahaha…

Michelle Solomon. Dude! I just love you. Thanks for being my adventure buddy & sanity in India. And thank you for pursuing your dreams in New York…I’m excited for you.

Philip, thanks for throwing rocks at my window & always making me smile.

Randy, thanks for our life talks. I cherish them.

Suz, thanks for all your constant sweet, encouraging words. You change the whole tone of a room when you walk in…I love it.

Tristin, thanks for being a TRUE friend ever since we were 12! Some of my best memories have you in them.

Addison, thanks for introducing me to Oh’s. And just for being my friend. You’re awesome.

Life is Beautiful. Sacred. Blessed. Short. Now.
Embrace it.