We have been Facebook friends since 2008, real-life friends
since just after that night I used my braces as an excuse to be shy and
introverted, and friends by proxy your entire life and most of mine. I have
been so blessed by you over the years and have found many reasons to be
thankful for you.
I’m thankful that you have always indulged my sense of
humor. You went right along with my silliness and became a fully invested
partner every time. Whether it was planning parties (Let’s make confetti go everywhere!) and shows for the parents at
your cabin, making up words and organizing them into a dictionary, or staying
up until ridiculous hours of the night just to giggle together, you always
laughed at my jokes and played along.
I’m thankful for your example. You serve others with a quiet
humility, never seeking praise or glory for your actions but keeping them
between yourself and God for real recognition from Him that only He may receive
the glory. Sometimes I find out about some of the sneaky honorable things you
do in quiet, and I am blown away. I want to serve like you, always thinking of
others but never about the credit.
I’m thankful for your encouragement. You are one of a
faithful few who actually read this blog, and you are so positive and uplifting
about it. I don’t write enough, but you affirm me when I do. I can be
vulnerable with you – in writing or in person – and you build me up with your
reassurance.
I’m thankful for your enduring friendship. You keep inviting
me places and sharing your life with me. You’ve shared your table at lunch, a
birthday party, and soon a most special day with me. You have seen me through
prom dates and breakups, finals weeks and graduations, times I’ve felt lost and
all the times in between.
I can’t wait to stand next to you on your wedding day and
hear about your adventures across the sea and share more of life with you in
the years to come. I’m thankful that we have consecutive birthdays, because it
is fun being able to celebrate each other with our overlapping circles of friends.
Thank you for being a friend. Happy birthday!
