I’ve had exactly 2 lonely seasons in my life.

The first was the second semester of my freshman year of college. I had just gone through a breakup and was also transitioning in my friend group. The combination made for a really lonely time, but it was also a time in my life that led me to a healthier personal place. A few months later, Jacob and I began dating and my loneliest time of life became my happiest.

I feel like I am currently in the second lonely season of my life. This past Spring was one of the fullest “social” seasons of my life. My sister was getting married and there were lots of planning phone calls and family events, I had monthly dinner dates with my college friends, almost weekly dates with one of my local friends, and my work schedule was busy, but manageable. As the summer started, things got busier with work but I still had a weekly women’s group that filled my “people cup”. Once Fall arrived, so did the loneliness. Between school dropoffs, sick kids, and a crazy work schedule, it feels like my relationships have taken a back seat to the chaos of life.

Though I am with someone every moment of the day, whether it’s clients or my kids, I haven’t been free to really invest in my friendships and family relationships. It’s strange to feel busy and lonely at the same time, but I know many of you can identify with that. It’s hard and it can be sad, but I have so many people to be thankful for even in the midst of this season that I’m not free to be face-to-face with them.

Today, I am thankful for my people.

I’m thankful for understanding, longtime friends, who continue to text me even when they know I’ll forget to respond.

I’m thankful for sweet sisters, who are also busy raising their own babies or being newlyweds.

I’m thankful for my in-laws, who support us in any way they can think of.

I’m thankful for my parents, who send the sweetest texts and verses and cards since they live far away.

I have so many people to be thankful for and that’s what I’m focusing on today. I’m also feeling hopeful, looking to the holidays as a time to take a little break from the craziness of school and work, to just enjoy time with these people – my people.

Who are you thankful for today?