God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Merry Christmas Eve haha. I look back at Christmas last year and I see I've come a long way. That was most likely the worst day of that year. My dog had died, I had no presents, and nothing to do. I was miserable. This year I have a feeling will be a lot better. I look though and see all of the people who got me here, and I just want to give a little thanks to each of them.


Anthony
You sir, rule. You and I have been through everything, we've waved at Rescue Helicopters on the roof (you still owe me a hoodie), we've burned down trees that knocked out the neighborhood's power, you survived the ATV accident, we both survived my insufferable father while we dug footings, and then later.....demolished them. I've yelled at you and told you to lay off and quit being such a jerk, and you've yelled at me and told me to grow up and quit being a pansy. I think neither has listened, ha. We've conquered just about everything we've set our minds to (minus Thermite...). You've been there for me during my breakup and I've been there for you during yours. We've shared many a box of Cheez-its. Now you head off to college and well, I'm going to miss you terribly. You will still be around I know though. I can't wait to see where God takes you. You have so many things in front of you. It could be leading this nation, saving this nation, or just making the whole world safer.... not that I'm putting any unreasonable expectations on you or anything... (You end up pulling an I am Legend though and we will have issues...) We have to go to Buffalo Wild Wings one more time before you head off to Russellville.

Jessica
You freaking dancer, you. Here I was thinking you were this snobby, stuck up goody two-shoes. Then one day, I saw your status about transferring to Shiloh...in fact it said:  Jessica Schneider feels sad and relieved simultaneously. Yes, I did transfer to Shiloh. (Yes, I went all the way back to September 4th to find it.) I knew that feeling, I had felt it a year earlier after transferring to Fayetteville. So, even though I didn't know you or anything. I told you I knew how that was. Somehow, we became buddies. Something I'm so thankful for. You became such a friend so quickly. I tell you all the time, what would I do without you? Because, you are one of the few people I can count on to come and pick me up at my lowest moment. I guess you aren't so snobby...or stuck up. You got some cool shoes though...

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

 You are such an example of this. You are always beaming even at your tiredest, lowest, saddest moment. I will always see you when I hear those verses. Never hide your light, kid. You are going to go places, God has a hand on you. Oh... and one day you're going to give me dance lessons. Period. You owe me (don't ask me why).

Will
Pilot\Swimmer\Jack-of-all-trades. You do it all. You and me became buds last year, wasn't it during 16 Hours? Either way, thanks to you, coming back to FBCS was way less awkward and intimidating. You followed me to 10:55. You've joined Motion, you've also gave me and the rest of us a place to hang out after church before Motion. You are awesome. The fact is you've always been a friend to me and you've always been more than ready to help. Thank you. We are going to have some crazy times at Beach Camp and OKC Mission Trip.

Serena
We were friends last year, but you've grown so much this school year. You found Christ, and you've become a much more mature person. You  constantly try to cheer me up even when I insist that you don't. You help me keep up with everything in Sports Med. You are my awesome lunch buddy. We got one more semester left but I have a feeling we'll find a way to make it count.

And to all those I didn't name who've helped me or inspired me in one way or another, I thank you. God has blessed me with some amazing people in my life. You are what makes life so very interesting. Thank you, and Merry Christmas.

Much Love,
Luke

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas. -WC Jones