I just returned from a whirlwind trip through Nebraska and Iowa, but it was well worth the hours and miles spent in the car! I was able to visit some family that I had not seen in years and roommates and friends from college that I had only seen less than 2 months ago. It was fun to be able to visit so many people who have blessed my life in so many ways, whether just over the past year or since I was a baby. 

The crazy thing was that hardly cried even once when saying good-bye to these people. For a person who is relatively emotional, this almost seems rather heartless. But I assure you that that was not the case. Each time I drove away, with a beloved friend waving in my rear-view mirror, I could not help but smile and bask in the beauty of the friendship I had formed with that person.

I realized how extremely blessed I am to have each and every one of these people in my life. I truly believe they are each in my life for a reason...to bring joy, support, love, laughter, peace, advise, guidance, challenge, encouragement...the list could go on. But one common thread I am sure of...the Lord placed them in my life for a purpose and it was wonderful having a conversation with God about why each of these people is in my life. I will not physically see any of them for two years, but they will be with me in spirit and the impact they have had in my life will never leave me. They have helped form who I am as a person, a child of God, and a world citizen.

I would challenge you to look at the people around you...who you live with, work with, study with, shop with...What do these people mean to you? How do you show them that they are important to you? Have you given God thanks for their presence in your life?

I look forward to being able to form even more relationships in the years to come. I am so excited to see who the Lord blesses me with next!