This Is For You

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Canadian Thanksgiving was a week ago, and I had originally planned for this blog post to be up by then. However, life happened and I got sidetracked... and taking time to be thankful kind of slipped my mind amidst the everyday busyness. I guess I'm always thankful for something in my life, but I never really actively reflect upon it.

This brings me back to my happiness post, where the simplest things in life can bring you the most joy. Similarly, there are so many seemingly simple things we can be thankful for, and our privilege sometimes blinds us to these blessings. I'm talking about not just the basics - clean water, air, and food; a climate-controlled roof over our heads; clothing suitable for any weather - but also access to healthcare, money, and education; and people who love you, amongst many other things.

Some pretty difficult events happened in my life last year, and the reality of the fact that the people you love will eventually leave you, finally hit me; you never know when any moment you have with somebody will be your last memory of them. Despite these events, I'm still guilty of not making my love and appreciation known to my friends and family as often as I really should. (WARNING: semi-cheesy but genuinely heartfelt post ahead.)

This is for you.

To my friends:

You know who you are. You come from different stages of my life, from different places. Some of you spend almost every waking hour in my presence. Others, we might only see each other once a year, but that doesn't make our friendship any less important.

THANK YOU -
for lending a listening ear (or eyes) and a shoulder to cry on when I need to let out my feelings, and being a steady guide to help me through rough patches.
for giving me a supportive hug when I need it most, and a warm, friendly one to show you care.
for your patience whenever I am indecisive, forgetful, running late, and for those days when I am just completely out of it.
for the times you go out of your way to help me, or to accompany me somewhere; all your small acts of selflessness - they do not go unnoticed.
for challenging me to grow as a musician, a member of society, in faith, and as an individual.
for the wonderful adventures we have, those we can look back and laugh at.
for giving me your trust, for your honesty, and for your understanding.
for bringing a little more humour and light into my life.
for simply being genuinely curious about my day, and for sharing yours with me.
for your unwavering faith in me, even when I am lacking any in myself.

TO MY FAMILY:

I know sometimes we may have our differences in views, and that we may challenge each other, but I know you do it all out of love, for what is best for me. Although I am growing up, and starting to find my meaning in life and building who I want to be, I will always be that young child who would sing and dance to Barney, or play with dolls and stuffed animals. (And I will never be too old for hugs and kisses.) All the goodness in me - the daughter/granddaughter/niece you are proud to have raised - is because of your wisdom and your undying support and love, even when I fail or disappoint; like the father with his prodigal son, you welcome me back with open arms. We have gone through tough and crucial times together, but it is through these times that I feel we have become closer than ever before, our familial bond even stronger. Words alone do no justice for the sacrifices you have made to help me on my life journey, and for that, I am forever grateful.

People come, and they go, but they will always leave a footprint on your heart, no matter how deep or shallow it may be. It could feel crushing, or it could be the gentlest of steps. They may fade with time, but I know there will always be one set that will be with me until death. I put all my trust in God's hands, believing in His Providence, that He has placed these people in my life for a reason, whatever it may be. And because of that, I thank Him, and all those with whom He has brought me together.

I love each one of you, and I hope I can soon find the time and/or courage to let you know, in person, just how much I appreciate having you in my life.