“Yes, I’m alive.”

Entering into the holiday season, I jump on the bandwagon of genuine thankfulness. It is not so much that I want to go around and hug everyone, although that is probably the case most days. This is the time of the semester when the world starts to cave in and my studies engulf me.

But this time it is much different. My schedule was very heavy in the middle of the semester and has tapered off in the end. The recent reminder of becoming thankful was a text from a good friend.

I have been avoiding many gatherings and social events much of the semester because I was tired from school, work or ministry. I had left many of my communities behind during the months of October and November because there was much to accomplish.

Without any substantial contact with good friends, it felt a little isolating and busy working through one project after another. This all slowed down after the conclusion of my last retreat and after a weekend trip to New York for a friend’s wedding.

A good friend of mine sent a random text last week, ‘Hi. Are you alive.” I laughed a little but mostly out of embarrassment. It had not crossed my mind to call, text or e-mail him. I became wrapped up in the bubble that is my world. Immediately after he sent the text, I called him and apologized for my sudden disappearance.

I am thankful for friends and loved ones who managed to reach out to me continually throughout the past two crazy months because I was too busy to think about scheduling time to talk or catch up. Texts like, ‘Hi Are you alive,’ kept me laughing and going.

I will be paying it forward in coming weeks. If you know me and I have your number, do not be surprised if you get a text that says, “Hi! Are you alive?” And if it happens to be that you are too busy to text back send a quick message that says, “Yes, I’m alive.”