THANKFUL FOR: A 4TH YEAR TRADITION 

It is officially the eve of Christmas Eve and I am hoping that it will begin to feel a little more like Christmas. In hopes of this, I got together with my friends Stephanie, Maycen, and Leighton for our annual Christmas Party. We have been doing this ever since the 10th grade and it has kind of become a tradition. Last year it was so fun, but so weird at the same time because we were seniors. I remember Maycen’s mom telling us that this time next year we would all know where we were attending college, we would all have found friends, we all would be graduated from high school, and all the things we were so worried about would be over and we would be back together sharing all of our stories. How weird is that? As I prepared yesterday for the party I couldn’t help but think of that and all that has happened in a years time. I look back on last year and think about how worried I was for the second semester of high school and being in college classes, how I was worried that I would never decide on a school to attend, how I was afraid I would never find a place to fit in or people to fit in with, how I thought, at times, it was impossible, how I was worried about leaving home, or how I was worried that I would lose my best friends. Looking back, that was normal, but it is sure nice to see how God worked everything out and how much of an impact he has had on this year. We got to laughing last night because last year Maycen gave me a t-shirt that was maroon and she gave it to me to remember her by… like I would never see her again or something hahahaha. We ate great food, had great laughs, and shared great stories. It was a great night that I always look forward to. It was very different because we didn’t have childish high school things to talk about or homework we had to do over the break, but it was a good different and I am thankful for that! It is weird how fast the time has changed, but no matter what I pray that this one thing remains. I love my friends and I do not know where I would be without them. This past year we had some great times and celebrations and I will always love those. I mean we even went to DC together. Gosh it was a great year! My last post was about how important family is during Christmas, but don’t forget that  friendships are equally as important! What a blessing this year has been and what a blessing my friends have been! Merry Christmas Eve Eve from us to you! 
Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful