day 14 :: for good

Today we celebrated the life of my dear friend Gayle.  One of the things that what shared over and over at the service was that Gayle was a gift to us and that she gave us gifts to give in return.  Gifts like courage, a servant heart, perseverance. 

As I was sitting in the service listening to those words, I couldn't help but think of all the gifts I have been given in the friends that I have been blessed to have.  Friends who, without knowing, have shown me unconditional love in the way that they love their kids and allow me to love them as well.  Friends who have shown me forgiveness when I have been foolish, self centered and thoughtless.  Friends who have given me the gift of determination as I watch them juggle family, dissertation writing, church activities, schedules that are constantly busy.  Friends who have shown me grace when it was not deserved and in turn pointing me to Jesus. Friends who have shown me servant hearts by loving on the unlovable, being a shoulder to cry on in the roughest times in my life.   You see in my life I have been blessed with some of the most amazing friends who have given me the most precious gifts.  And I have been changed for good because of these friends. 

This song was sung at Gayle's service today and it is honestly been one of my favorites for a long while.  So thank you dear friends, for changing me for good!