Appreciative Reflections

I've been very reminiscent this week.

I'm not sure why, maybe because I'm starting a new chapter in my life and it's time to reflect on past chapters and see how they relate. That's my theory at least.

Here's what I've discovered:

There have been times when I thought my Freed-Hardeman experience was negative (not because of the school in any way, but individual situations). A few bright spots, but overall bleak. As I looked through old pictures and video today though, I was able to see differently. That's the good thing about pictures: they're often taken in good times, not bad. You don't get in a fight with someone and say "ooh...let's capture this moment."

Anyway. Some of the best memories were from my last 3 years of college. That's where a lot of my life-long friends came from. I'm glad I experienced those things. I'm glad I can look back now and remember the good in it, and forget the bad. Trips with Chorale, the mission trip to Scotland, working at TV40 and the library, dinners with friends, living in Hall-Roland, the Gatlinburg trip, celebrating my birthday in Alabama, I could go on forever. These are some of my happiest moments.

I'm thankful that I have Jonathan now, but I'm also thankful we didn't start dating until after I graduated. Only then could I could truly appreciate and value the amazing man that he is. I'm glad we have separate experiences of the same place that we love and cherish, but oddly enough, have so many of our loved ones in common.

I've been trying to think of a way to adequately thank our friends who helped us during the wedding process. I'm still not quite sure that there is a way to do that. I love to give you all money, but let's face it, I'm not rich...yet. I'm sure words are also not enough, but so far, that's all I have.

With family, you kind of expect them to help. Not that I don't appreciate everything that my mom and John and Janie did for us during this time. We couldn't have done it without them, and they've been an amazing support system for us. But with friends, it's more of a voluntary basis. They usually help because they want to, because they've grown to love and appreciate you for you....not because they raised you.

That fact pricks me in the heart. I guess I don't appreciate my friends as much as I should on a normal basis, much less a special occasion like the wedding. I was touched at everyone who wanted to help, who showed up, ran errands, spent money and time, and put up with my cranky behind (let's face it, I was no peach.)

I've gone over in my mind how each person got there. Why each person was important enough to come and be a part of our day. (I won't type them all out here but I will probably be pouring it all into thank you cards later.) I feel so undeserving of all of that love. What have I done to reciprocate that? Not enough, I think.

So just know, for now....I am so thankful for all of you. I love you all and someday, I hope to reciprocate the love that you've shown to me. :-)