Fifty Things

"Can you meet me at the Coffee House in the morning? I have something for you."

She is all sweetness in every way. Everyone loves her, who could help but?

I meet her when morning comes and we talk, and talk, and talk. Has it been years since we had a moment like this? No, but it feels like it. Words are deep and meaningful, quickly they shift to light and fluffy talk. Friend Corrie joins our fun. We laugh, really laugh. We are enjoying the richness of fellowship . . . heart to heart . . . and it deepens the unity in us.

Morning flies while we are absorbed in matters of heart, all too soon, it is time to go.

"This is your birthday gift, for you. I'm sorry it is late it took some time to put together," she hands me beautiful bags filled with treasure.

My heart is already blessed to brim. She is a gift to me, and I am so thankful.

She said that she got the idea from Hallmark.

She cut out hearts and wrote sweet messages on them, 50 things that she loves about me. She placed them in this beautiful punch bowl. Red cellophane wrapping brings the bowl to life and deep inside are hearts with messages scripted, just for me, 50 of them.

I don't know when I have ever been given such a precious gift.

I had a birthday a few weeks ago, I am 50 now, so she thought of 50 things.

A long time ago, I decided that this would be my year of jubilee. I made a choice to celebrate what is behind me, and celebrate what is to come, and be happy about it all.

But I must admit to you, it has been a harder one, this birthday. It really has.

The fifty hearts with script from the heart of a friend that brought soothing balm to the space I am in. Her beautiful words brought humility to my very being and I just had to bow down and say, "Thank You Dear God! Thank YOU!"

There was so much to thank Him for, it was completely overwhelming.

Perhaps we have a crowd of witnesses here, not just in heaven (Hebrews 12). Her thoughts make me believe so.

I want to pass this on,  you know, for someone who might need words from a friend. Words of encouragement, words of life, and inspiration. Powerful, beautiful, loving words. There are beautiful ways to love . . .

Thank you, my dear beautiful friend, and sister in the Lord, Christina! The world is better because of YOU!
Loving, grateful blessings! You have given me exemplary example to follow! Much love to you, Cheri