This morning, while thinking of all of the things I need to get done before noon, my mind drifted to the things I am most thankful for this week. There were several that came to mind very quickly~
- a successful small group last night ~ great ladies. Old friends and new
- my daughter is feeling a little more comfortable in her new job
- my son is making pretty decent money for a college kid working about 15 hrs a week
- a trip to see a church that I’ve admired from a distance and the opportunity to soak in their ideas
- my husband beginning his own small group experience
- my friend who has been out of work for a few months landing a great job
- a family who gets to have their 2 little boys at home this week instead of in hospitals
All of these things and others just put a smile on my face. But yesterday, I got an email response from someone I’ve known since the early 80’s who struck a chord in my heart that just stopped me dead in my tracks. This is the kind of person who drops W an email every 4th of July just to thank him for his service to our country. Seriously ~ the kind of person that you don’t get to see for months at a time but when you do, you wonder why on earth you aren’t surrounded by more people just like him.
He is the kind of friend I wish I was. He is the kind of friend that we should all want to be and I just want to acknowledge how truly grateful I am for his words yesterday. They were so much more kind than I deserve and so much appreciated.
In Ephesians 4:29 (NIV), it reads
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen
You, friend, built me up when I most broken and just writing this brings tears to me eyes because I am so eternally grateful. W and I are both so grateful for you ~ thank you.