I know that you don’t have to be here and I hope you know I appreciate you.

I am a girl with numerous “father figures” in my life. First and foremost, my divine Father. My Heavenly Father who shows me what real, righteous, unconditional love really is. Goodness, I could go on forever about Him, but that is for another time.

I have father figures in my neighbors, uncles and family friends. I am so blessed and I could never thank these men enough.

I want to say thank you for checking on me when you know I need it. Or for the subtle things like watching me cross the street from the time I was 10 to 18. Thank you for always taking pictures with me when I ask, even though it is your least favorite thing in the entire world. Thank you for considering me as one of your own even though you were never asked or told to do so. Thank you for washing cars with me. No one asked these men to look out for me and to take care of me, but for some reason I feel so extremely loved by them. My uncles and neighbors who are always there even though they have their own kids to worry about, we need more people like them on this Earth.

I could ask them for anything, from help with school to help with dinner and I can count on them to help in any way they can. I strive to be like them in this way. I strive to build relationships and make connections so I can be able to help people who need it. We all have low points in our lives, but with people to pick us up when we are down everyone can make it through. I strive to invest in people’s lives instead of just worrying about my problems. I know that my problems are minimal and I can always be helping someone with something bigger. Even if helping someone make it through the day consists of sending them a sweet text or getting them their favorite candy. The little things always matter, especially when someone is going through a rough time.

So I challenge you to do this, intentionally, for this week. Seek someone who could use a little pick-me-up and send some love their way. You never know how far a small gesture will go. Grab someone a soda or pay it forward in the drive through. It’s the little things that matter and the people that help you through the tough times. So thank you to those who do the little things that get me through the day.