Thankful Thursday

It's Thursday again! It may be a little late in the day, but I'm still thankful, none the less. If you weren't here last Thursday, let me invite you to check out last week's post. I am posting a Thankful Thursday each Thursday of this month, and you're welcome to link your post to my blog. You can even post it late! Lord knows I'm rarely on time anymore!

I'm thankful for my friends. That's a huge thing for me. I am an extrovert by nature, so I love to be around people. But I don't love to be around a LOT of people, just special people. And by special, I don't mean 'short-bus-special!' (Though, we've often left people wondering...)

I have friends who keep me accountable, encourage me when I'm down, are a shoulder for me to cry on, a listening ear for my venting, a partner in crime, a role model for me, as well as someone for whom I can be a role model. God has put exactly who I need in my life, when I needed them. I've often looked at my life and friends as God's tapestry. Friends are weaving in and out of my life to make a beautiful piece of artwork, but I can't zoom out to see the whole thing right now. I have (mostly) learned to look at the place where I am now and see it's beauty alone. I believe that God will continue to add friends to my life, and, sadly, He will take friends away. If I trust that it is His timing and will, I will be able to appreciate both of those times.

I am thankful for my family. I have a very supportive family.

I grew up always knowing that I was loved. I never questioned my value, because my mother drilled it into my head that I am valuable. I always felt beautiful, because, again, my mother drilled it into my head that I am a beautiful girl - inside and out. She was my constant supporter in everything and my biggest fan.

My sister and I haven't always gotten along. I remember a time when all I did was pester her and all she did was close her door in my face. I can't blame her. I was a bratty little sister. But since we've grown older (her MUCH older than me), we've become much closer. 700 miles separated us for quite a few years, and I believe that helped our relationship. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Now that we're only 50 miles apart, it's even better. But what has really brought our relationship to a better place is the birth of my son. We have that ultimate connection now - we both have sons.

Even if you're not a blogger, or if you don't want to link up to my (late posting) Thankful Thursdays, please take some time to think about what you are thankful for this month. If a person pops into your mind, TELL THEM that you're thankful for them. Who wouldn't want to hear that? Have a great week!