*tears streaming*
Wow... it's finally 2004. I can't believe it. I cried over the New Year. Sobbed and sobbed. I wanted so badly to hang onto to 2003 with every thing in me. It seems that it went by without my cherishing it. Oh, God, how could I have let it go without cherishing it? Please, God, forgive me... I vowed I never would do that and I have done it.
But there have been beautiful things happen this year.
Alex, I want to thank you for being who you are. You have been an encouragement, a source of strength. I admire your tenacity, the willingness you have to be obedient and to do whatever it takes to be what God wants you to be. Somehow I pray that I can live in the same willingness throughout my own life. May God bless you in 2004.
Keriann, you're my sister. You've been through a lot and made a lot of decisions, many of which have caused us to grow apart, but through it all I still love you as my own blood sibling. Thank you for your trust in me. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for who you are. May God bless you in 2004.
Sister Stacey, you are my spiritual mentor. I am so thankful for your support and your love. You've accepted me, offered your advice even when I wasn't acting all that great about it. You've taken time out of your ministry to talk to me and I never even tell you how much I appreciate it. May God bless you in 2004.
Starshine, wow, what a year! Your friendship has meant so much to me, and regardless of the changes we have experienced, I will never forget the time we got to spend in each other's presence. Thank you for being a listener, an encourager, and an over-all good friend. May God bless you in 2004.
Nate, we've been friends such a long time! I remember how many arguments we got into when we first were friends. LOL I think I still have those emails somewhere. You've been my challenger, my encourager, and my source of laughs through a lot of pretty rough stuff. Let's remain friends- I don't want to lose contact ever. And, you know, Nate... I'm proud of you. *pats you on the head* May God bless you in 2004.
Maia, you're one of the most passionate, intelligent young women I know. When you speak, I listen 'cause I know that even when I don't agree, you've got something thought-provoking to say. You're quite an encouragement and you always seem to be upbeat and having fun. I'm grateful for it. Keep being the person you are, 'cause you're great. May your path be straight in 2004.
Summer, I've already been as idiotically sentimental to you tonight as can possibly be, so I'll spare you. But thank you for your prayers, thank you for your love and support, thank you for your friendship. There have been times when I have felt as though you were the only face to face friend I had and you've always stuck around. Aren't ya glad for that conversation we had about toes one day? *grins*
(In case y'all start wondering where the paragraph to Andrew is, it's gonna be in a different post 'cause he doesn't like being included in lists. LOL)
Well, y'all. Let's walk into the next 364 days with a song in our hearts. I am here for you and I know you're here for me. Let's joy in each other's triumphs and hold each other during the pain of loss or disappointment.
After all, that's what friends are for.