Not even going to lie, October was real busy and real hard for me. I spent fall break in Disney Wold with two of my favorite people and despite the hurricane it was an amazing time– I mean it is the happiest place on earth. Highly recommend going in October especially pre-Halloween because it was so cool to see how Disney does a holiday. But after fall break things were in full swing. Like I am talking test after test after presentation after paper after application after interview after test after test. Just a lot going on at one time. In the midst of this, I had some harder things happen that really made me feel a tad defeated. I applied for an amazing leadership role on campus and was denied. I dropped my phone and the screen shattered for the first time ever. A really random joke left me with a mild concussion AND I some how failed to remember that God had me. Of course, if you know me you know I was constantly worried throughout those weeks and I am not even going to lie, I just completely didn’t allow myself to rely on God and his plan. Yep, when it rains it pours, but the thing that I am most thankful for after a period of straight darkness is the people around me.
Y’all I cannot tell you how important it is to surround yourself with the right people. People you want to grow with. People you look up to. People you find common ground with. People you know are there for you. People you want to be like. People you know you can love through it all. People you wake up everyday and find yourself thankful for. And y’all my people were in full force over the past month. My family, my roommates, my friends, you name them and they were there. I don’t want to shout out anyone by name because I would hate to leave someone out but my life was made better this past month by my people. I mean I know how important it is to surround yourself around the right people, but I did not really understand that until I was in need of that. You people know who you are, but I want you to know that you are loved and appreciated everyday by me.
Friendship is something that I value and place higher than most things in life. I am not sure if that is a good or a bad thing. I mean not everyone feels that way- I get that, but it is so important to be a friend to the people who matter to you. All throughout this month when I was loved and encouraged by my people a quote constantly stuck out to me:
“To have a friend you have to be a friend.”
Not a 100% sure who said it, but I heard it from my wise Mom a few years back and man is it true.
Side note: My mom had a birthday on Friday and wow am I thankful I was chosen to be her son. She is literally superwoman and my life and many others’ would not be the same without her. Thanks for all you do, mom. You are a very big inspiration and your love is the best there ever was. I hope you had the best birthday!!
Back on track: I have seen time and time again what happens to a friendship when both people are not putting in an equal amount. I caution you to love the people you love and be there for the people you care for because you never ever know what could happen. I cannot imagine what I would have done without certain people over the past month. And for that I want to do my best to be there for them… because that is what friends do. I urge you to not get comfortable in friendships where they turn stagnate. Always work to grow in them and to make them better… that is where you will find the most joy out of a friendship. And if for some reason this is not happening in a friendship don’t be afraid to turn to someone else that will value and love you.
One verse that has really stuck out to me reads:
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.”
We as humans need constant fellowship with one another. In every friendship there should be a mutual benefit. Remember that and be thankful for it. Your true people will be there when you need it most and you will be there in return.
Oh how good this post has been for my soul. I cannot tell you the happiness it brings me to be Southern and Thankful. Recently I haven’t been Southern and Thankful in the ways that most of you are used to. But if you ask my people I am surrounded by, they will assure you nothing has changed… a little less writing, but overall I am still the same guy that feels blessed beyond measure, even in the darkest times. And a large pat on the back goes to my people for helping me stay that way. HEY… They might even say they are Southern and Thankful, ya think?
Move through this month in fellowship, with a loving spirit, and a thankful heart. After all, we always have something to be thankful for, but in the month of November, as Thanksgiving approaches, our cup should be runneth other with thankfulness. Stay true to yourself and lean on your people when you need it… they better be there. Companionship is something we can all agree to be thankful for.
PS- Looking and praying for something awesome to do this summer. If anyone has any suggestions OR if you just want to pray for that for me… I would be appreciative. Love you all.
“Don’t silence the small stuff.”
Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful
Cade- you don’t know how happy it makes my heart to read this! I know funding your people has been your Mom’s prayer for many years. It has also been my prayer for Jacob. I love your thankful heart and your dedication to your friends. You might not have gotten the leadership position you applied for, but you are a leader!
Thanks for being you!