Reflections

Today Matt and I attended a funeral for a dear friend, Shona Echols. Shona was our friend, Hamilton's current teacher and a church member we had all served with in Bible School, Sunday School or anything else that had to do with the children of our church. She was 39 when she died. She was an absolutely beautiful person.

While at the funeral, through the tears, I was inspired. Inspired to love more. Inspired to laugh more. Inspired to soak up the giggles of my children. Inspired to enjoy their youth, enjoy my youth. Inspired to be a better friend. Inspired to be a better wife. Inspired to be a better mother. Inspired to be a better daughter & sister.

I am so blessed. Blessed by a wonderful family. I have wonderful parents and parents-in-laws. Loved by many friends. I sleep, with my wonderful family in a warm little house. I eat wonderful food that I am able to prepare for my children. I enjoy health. I am able to run with my boys, tickle them and be tickled and laugh so hard with them that I have to stop to breathe. I have the most wonderful husband who supports me in all that I dream to do. Our family is blessed with an incredible church that assists us in raising our boys in Christ's love. And, I am blessed to personally know Christ's love for me and mine.

While it was a sad morning, a hard morning, I was inspired - renewed. And thankful. Very thankful that, today, I am able to love and be loved. I hope you are able to soak up and bask in love and able to then, in turn, give that love back.

Janelle