You know, I used to believe that I would never get married. I have been married for 7 years now. I used to wonder if I would have children of my own. I have been blessed with three. I once thought that if I went to college, I would fail. I got my Bachelor of Science degree in 4 years with a 3.7 GPA. When we moved to Tennessee in 2000, I had no friends, and I wondered if anyone would want to be my friend. Now, I have more friends than I have time to appreciate. I once believed that I was an invisible member of society. Then I became a Christian, and invisible was good - I want people to see Jesus when they look at me, not Angie.
Last weekend, as you know, my dear grandfather passed away. It was said to be peaceful, but it was -and is- painful for the rest of us. Since my grandfather served this great country in the Navy for many years, he will be honored with a special burial at Arlington National Cemetery next month. Since that day is several weeks away, my neighbors (dear friends), presented me with a touching gift last night: Willow Tree's "Hero" figurine. [Well, I should mention that I have begun collecting the Willow Tree series (which really means that my friends have been gifting me with them because I adore the style) since I was given one from an employer several years ago.] http://www.demdaco.com/detail.aspx?ID=10312 (check it out) Of course, I cried (poor Greta). It couldn't have been more perfect.
And it all got me thinking. All those things I think about myself are my own perspective. Maybe everyone thinks poorly of themselves. Maybe we are that way so we don't become egotists. Whatever the reason, I never saw myself as a valuable part of my world. Until now. I am forced to admit that, no matter my opinion of myself, it is the opinion of those closest to me that counts. Because, really, it is all a matter of perspective. And if I was half as worthless as I sometimes think, I wouldn't have such special people in my life. And those incredible people I am blessed to call friends wouldn't care enough to pick out the perfect gift to celebrate what my grandfather means to me. Certainly, I am not perfect. But I am blessed. And that is enough.
May your friends enrich your lives as well.
Angie
Last weekend, as you know, my dear grandfather passed away. It was said to be peaceful, but it was -and is- painful for the rest of us. Since my grandfather served this great country in the Navy for many years, he will be honored with a special burial at Arlington National Cemetery next month. Since that day is several weeks away, my neighbors (dear friends), presented me with a touching gift last night: Willow Tree's "Hero" figurine. [Well, I should mention that I have begun collecting the Willow Tree series (which really means that my friends have been gifting me with them because I adore the style) since I was given one from an employer several years ago.] http://www.demdaco.com/detail.aspx?ID=10312 (check it out) Of course, I cried (poor Greta). It couldn't have been more perfect.
And it all got me thinking. All those things I think about myself are my own perspective. Maybe everyone thinks poorly of themselves. Maybe we are that way so we don't become egotists. Whatever the reason, I never saw myself as a valuable part of my world. Until now. I am forced to admit that, no matter my opinion of myself, it is the opinion of those closest to me that counts. Because, really, it is all a matter of perspective. And if I was half as worthless as I sometimes think, I wouldn't have such special people in my life. And those incredible people I am blessed to call friends wouldn't care enough to pick out the perfect gift to celebrate what my grandfather means to me. Certainly, I am not perfect. But I am blessed. And that is enough.
May your friends enrich your lives as well.
Angie
I'm really glad your friends were there for you and really sorry I wasn't there for you more.
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