I walked into an old school gym to face a bunch of strangers. I dragged my feet as I was invited to join an icebreaker, and I had no idea why I had shown up in the first place. Less than 72 hours later, however, you all had changed my life.

I’ve written this a hundred times over, and I still don’t think it’s right. But here is my best attempt at thanking you for everything you have taught me about life, love, others, myself, and most importantly, God.

Thank you for making me slow down. As a tween, teenager, and now young adult, it’s easy to be swept up in social media and other technology. I can open my phone and sift through various feeds for hours on end without realizing it. It’s amazing how much longer the day feels without the added distraction. You remind me that it is far more fulfilling to live the life that is in front of me, not the one behind the glass on my phone. You force me to put the screen down, and believe it or not, I hardly notice it’s missing.

Thank you for sharing your testimonies with me. Although I may not have vocalized it at the time, each time you shared something with me, it helped me to learn and grow in so many ways. Thank you for trusting me, a virtual stranger, enough to open up fully about your life's joys and struggles. I am honored to have played witness to such intimate parts of your life, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.

Thank you for allowing me to be my truest self. False fronts were not necessary when I was in your presence. You made me feel comfortable and never diminished or trivialized anything I had to say. Thank you for always being willing to listen and showing that you care. When you came into my life, I instantly knew that I had an invaluable support system that I could rely on for years to come. You are the types of friends that feel like family, and I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Thank you for all of the lessons you have taught me. From things like recognizing my own self-worth to "a random dance party never hurt anything," many of the lessons I carry with me every day have come from you. You provided me with wisdom, empathy, kindness, and faith among other things, and I will always be grateful.

Most importantly, thank you for bringing me closer to God. While some people may argue that an individual is the only one who can determine his relationship with Him, I certainly believe that some special people can guide him in the right direction. You’ve made me see God in so many unique aspects of my life, but most of all, you’ve allowed me to see God in all of you.

So thank you again, for everything. No matter how often we talk or see each other, know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. You played a huge role in shaping the person that I am today, and I will always consider you an important part of my life.

May God bless you as you have blessed me.

Love,

Me