Kinda Sounds Like a Michael W. Smith Song...

I don't know if it can be called fate or what, but I believe that things happen for a reason. I know, such a cliche way to start off a post. But seriously, I'm going to make this post about people who have been a part of my life that I could not be anywhere close to the same without. I guess I'll just go with list form to make this simple since I don't have a whole lot of time.

Jack K. Allison: My papa. This is the single best man I've ever known. I will have to write a full post on him sometime but for now I'll just say that without him, a very large portion of the events that have sculpted my faith would never have happened. He taught me more about how to love unselfishly than anyone else on Earth.

Elizabeth Saunders: My other mom. I seriously cannot imagine my life without her. She's been there for me through everything. Every joy, every I-hate-the-world moment, every time I've just needed a hug and someone to tell me "It'll be alright", she's stood with arms open to me. My entire life, she's treated me as one of her own children, loving on me and calling me out when I've needed it the most. I know I'll always be able to run to her when no one else will listen. For Ms. Elizabeth, I am more grateful to God than I'll ever be able to express.

Gavin Richardson: My first youth pastor. This guy appeared in my life right when I needed it the most. How could I have known that he would grow from a mentor and someone to look up to into a friend? I've learned so much about patience and trusting the Lord's perfect plan from him. My real favorite thing about Gavin, though, is his insanely adorable son. Just kidding, but Brooks is super cute. :)

Jordan Vandegejuchte: One of my very best friends. Some of my craziest and best memories have her as a main character. Even though we've known each other for several years, this was the one that we really got to know one another well. We laughed and cried and got angry together, some times I'll never forget. I feel like I'm writing in a year book with this so I'll just say one more thing: I've never been able to be as real with anyone has I feel I can be with her.

Lexy Bader: This summer will mark ten years since we first met. She had a bowl cut and I thought socks with hot pink flip flops were the coolest thing since sliced bread. Do I have to say anymore? Though I haven't been able to see her every year that we've known each other, knowing she's there has been such a comfort to me. She is one of the most loving and accepting people I've ever had the privileged of knowing. A gentle spirit is something that's talked a lot about at the camp we go to, and I think she is the perfect example of it. I'll end with this: Sexy Lexy.

Five people. That's all I got down? Really? Okay well you can expect another one of these sometime because there are way more people I need to write about. Goodnight, friends. "Sleep well, I'll most likely kill you in the morning." Sorry, I couldn't resist the opportunity for a Princess Bride moment.

"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow..."