Take a moment to look at these lights from Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens. This particular area of the garden was like walking in a forest of lights. As I stood in the middle of the lights and looked up, I felt warm and safe being surrounded by the many strands. Being in the lights reminded me of the wonderful friends that surround me and for that I am so thankful.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:9-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I have friends from many different parts of my life; church, baseball, college, work, etc. Each group of friends has different dynamics but they have one thing in common; their love and support of me. Each group of friends encourages me and stretches me to be even better.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On this Thankful Thursday, I encourage you to imagine you are walking through the forest of lights. Stop and look up. Marvel at the lights that surround you. Pause here a moment and ponder what friends you have that are also surrounding you. Do you have various groups of friends? Or do you have one faithful friend who is by your side? Take time today to praise God and give thanks for your friends. take time today to express your love and thankfulness to your friends. Make a phone call, send a text or write a note expressing your appreciation. Today is the last Thankful Thursday of 2021. Go show some thankfulness!