Grateful to be Needy

“Let
the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish
one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the
Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”Colossians 3:16

So this is going to be one of those self-absorbed blog entries, dripping with ooey, gooey mushy stuff.  Read at your own risk.

Consider yourself dutifully warned…

Last week, I sufficiently examined the learning lessons of 2010.

The week as I consider where this path has taken me, there is one
word on my heart…GRATITUDE.  This feeling seems to be permeating every
cell of my body.  I’m overwhelmed with this emotion!

So, I thought I’d be utterly self-indulgent for a post and talk about it.

I’m thinking of my friends back in Iowa.  The ones that have shown me the meaning of that word “friend”.

I’m thinking of Shirley, Rona, and Renae – you’ve walked along beside
me, encouraged me, challenged me, pushed me, and held me up when I
needed it.  You’ve spoken truth to me even if it meant there would be
tears, and then sat beside me as I cried.  You’ve forgiven me when I
didn’t even ask to be forgiven.  You’ve given my family clothes, food,
and shelter when I didn’t have any.  You’ve pampered me when I needed
it.  We’ve explored more of Jesus Christ together in ways that most
people will never get to experience.

I’m thinking of Barb.  It’s been 17 years of laughter.  (We’re not
old – we’re very immature for our age!)  You’ve made me laugh so hard I
rolled on the floor in joyful agony begging you to stop.  We’ve seen our
little children grow up and watched our kids start having kids.  (Not
to rub it in or anything – I’m not a grandma yet.  Makes you older!) 
You are my cheerleader.  You have picked me up off the floor more than I
can count. You always seem to know exactly what to say to me when I
feel I can’t go on.   We’ve seen each other through hell and back.

There’s my girls; Leah, Ashley, and Lily.  I’m so incredibly grateful
to be able to walk along beside you as I watch Jesus blossom from
within you.  I cannot describe what an honor it is to hang out with you.

I’m thinking of my son Steven – I miss terribly.  You are one of the
mostest coolest people ever.  Can’t wait to see what will happen once
you hit your groove.

My mom , dad and my brothers – I’m speechless when I think about how
many sacrifices you’ve made for me.  I can’t go on here and keep it all
together…

Then there’s Seth Barnes, who’s been inspiring me through his blog, through his missions organization,
and through his spiritual guidance.  He’s known when to challenge, when
to push, when to inspire, and when to back off.  I pray I will learn
how to coach others with such grace, patience, and wisdom.  You and your
family are special people.

I’m overwhelmed with thankfulness for you all.  I’m overcome with
gratitude about who you are, what you do, and how much you mean to me. 
(Warned you – ooey, gooey, but OH so true!)

Here’s a life lesson that I got this year:  I NEED YOU.  I NEED YOU very, very much.  And I’m grateful to have you in my life.

I’ve not been one to like the idea of needing anyone else.  I have
lived my life trying to make sure I didn’t need anyone.   Yeah.  God’s
been breaking me of the self-reliant habit.  It was painful. 
But now that the dam of pride has been busted open, a flow of gratitude
is pouring out.  (Warned you – totally self-indulgent!)

2011 looks to be a terrific, awe-inspiring, hard-working year.  And I need you.  And I’m so very, very thankful.

I think I need to go write a song or something….