The Best Day Ever

What constitutes a day so great that you consider it to be the best day ever? I don't think it can be narrowed down to a single something. I think it's a combination of the things you did, the people you spent it with, and the way you felt throughout the day. I would have to say that yesterday, December 2, 2016 was my best day ever.

Now, I can't just pick a day and say it was the greatest without giving a reason. But trust me, there are plenty of reasons. The day was filled with laughter, good friends, and even those butterflies that fill your stomach before a presentation. I got to see so many of my friends yesterday and that made my heart happy. It was the day that a group of us who decided to do Secret Santa got together and exchanged gifts. I experienced a great deal of trouble making the gift for my person, but it turned out better than I could have hoped. The surprised look and joy on her face made all of the hard work well worth it. I love making things for people, after all, I am an artist and that's kind of what artists do. The gift I received was wonderful. My person got me a Captain America ornament. It was the cutest and coolest thing ever! A couple of other friends in the group joined together and got everyone a little something. I got a stocking with hot chocolate and a Christmas tie that plays jingle bells!

As many of you know, my family is struggling financially. The past several months have been really hard. My parents used to joke around every year and say: "well, there won't be much underneath the Christmas tree this year." This year, there won't be anything under the tree. We simply can't afford presents. And there's really no room to put up a tree because of all the stuff we've been moving over from my grandma's old house. It's fine. I don't need a tree or presents to celebrate Christmas. That's not what Christmas is all about. It's about the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior. And it's about the hope we have as Christians because of Him.

To be invited to participate in Secret Santa with a group of friends was a blessing. No one has ever thought to invite me to be a part of something like that. It filled my heart with joy. Those gifts I received may very well be the only ones I get this Christmas. So thank you guys!

Honestly, I enjoy being on the giving end more than I do being on the receiving end. It just makes me so happy to see someone else happy. Yesterday was also the day I "presented" my photography project to my friends. Somehow, they all graciously agreed to participate and have their picture taken. Before I ever asked any of them for their help, I already knew exactly what I wanted to do for the so called "project." I wanted to say thank you to my friends and get them all something for Christmas. But I didn't want them to know what I was up to. I wanted it to be a surprise. The project was also going to be one of my enrichments for the honors program. That part didn't pan out, but honestly, I couldn't have cared less about getting credit for it. All I really wanted was to show my friends how much I love them, how much they mean to me. I was grateful to get the opportunity to do that.

All of the ones involved in the project were able to meet me in the art building, (except for two, who couldn't make it). It was awesome seeing everyone there. I gave a little speech and explained the project, as well as the true purpose for it. I was slightly awkward, but that's ok because I'm always a little awkward. But it didn't really matter because the room was filled with people who love and accept me, awkwardness and all. Now,

I'm a hugger. So when everyone came up to give me a hug, I was overjoyed. I was crying as well as jumping up and down on the inside. Of course, I didn't let that show. I just played it cool, smiled, and hugged them back. It was great. Again, seeing the look on each of their faces and telling them how much they mean to me made all the hard work worth it.

I spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out with some of my friends. We played cards, had supper, (by the way, thank you for paying for my meal. You know who you are), and watched a movie. I went to go see one of my friend's senior art show. She did an amazing job, by the way. Finally, I went to the late night breakfast. That in itself is awesome. I mean come on, who doesn't like breakfast for supper? Pancakes, maple syrup, blueberries, chocolate milk, orange juice... Oh I better shut up now. I'm making myself hungry just thinking about it. But, I also got to see many of my friends one more time that day at the breakfast. It was the perfect ending to such an awesome day.

My life wouldn't be worth mentioning if it weren't for Jesus Christ and what He did for me. Also, my life wouldn't be worth mentioning if I hadn't got to share it with some folks along the way. Thank you all for sharing your lives with me and for being my friends. I love you all so much!

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
1 John 4:7

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:11-13