Spoken Words

I wanted to write a little post about my birthday, because I have been beyond blessed by everyone.
I'm generally pretty aware that I have incredible friends, but today my mind has been blown.

People who have put so much thought into making me a gift, or bought something that they knew I would love because they know me. They have spent time with me and  know the things that make me happy and have put time into giving me something that comes from that.
And others have given me words that have made me feel loved and valued and important to them... Writing a letter about the things they see in me, walking across campus just to hug me and tell me to have a wonderful day, thank you. You have blessed me.

I know even more how God loves me when I see the people that He has allowed to be a part of my life.

Thank you.

I guess its also been a gentle challenge for me.... We always go out of our way to say kind things to people on their birthday. To let them know the things we love about them.
Birthdays, or graduations, or weddings, or even worse, funerals.
And I think, why don't we say these things all the time?

When I see my mum, I could tell her that I appreciate the way she brought me up to care for people, how she taught me that visiting someone when they're sick can go a long way.

When I see my little sister, I could tell her that I think she's incredible at math and science and that her logical mind will take her to awesome places.

When I see my friend Grace, I could tell her that her infectious joyful spirit makes me smile even after we've finished our conversation and gone home.

When I listen to a good lecturer, I could take an extra minute on my way out to go and tell him that he has excellent communication skills and to thank him for sharing his understanding of the world with us.

When I see my friend Garret, I could tell him that when I watch him worship God with singing and dance, I feel encouraged.

When I see my friend Lauren, I could tell her that I love going running with her and that our conversations during it always make for an amazing start to the day

When I talk to my friend Emma, I could tell her that when we sit together in lectures it makes me really happy and somehow they seem to go faster.


And a million other things for hundreds of other people who constantly serve me and bless me and encourage me....
So I guess my challenge, going into year numero twenty, is to voice the things I feel. To thank people more.
To not assume they know I love them.