home.

I am so happy that I go to school close enough to come home whenever I feel like it. And since I love my family and I love home, I feel like it quite often. As I sit here on the couch with my entire family, I am reminded, once again, how incredibly blessed I am. I have a mother who is my best friend, a father who is more supportive than anyone else I know, and a little brother who is the most caring and compassionate person I have ever met. 


And even as I sit here I am a little annoyed by the silly things they do, but I'm totally okay with it. Sometimes I want to come home because I miss my little brother getting on my nerves. I actually miss my mom asking me a million questions about every single thing in my life. And I miss mine and my Dad's identical personalities clashing every other conversation. Two years ago, I could not wait to go to college and get away- and now, I look for any reason to come home to these crazy, annoying, amazing, loving people. 

I am so thankful for their presence and impact in my life. I have a mama who has always taught me the value of hard work and the importance of encouragement, a positive attitude, and surrounding yourself with the right people. My daddy has always taught me to guard my heart and to be careful who I give it to. And my brother has taught me unconditional love. And together, we have seen and experienced the importance of centering every single relationship in each of our lives around Jesus Christ. 

Your family isn't yours by accident. Neither is mine. God blessed me with my mom, dad, and brother for a reason. He knew they were exactly what I would need to get through life and He knew that together we would do life. Would it always be easy? Heck no. But would it always be fun and totally worth it? Of course. 

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family." -Anthony Brandt