Ode to a life well lived...

Happy Birthday, Anne! Although she will never read this (because she hates the computer and therefore doesn't use much email/internet much) I'd like to wish my friend Anne a very happy birthday! Yesterday was her birthday, and Nancy, Jeannie and I gave her a surprise birthday party! It was tricky because I had to get Anne to leave Bible study early (which she did not want to do!) and keep a secret about why (which is soooo hard for me when it's something fun!)! We left after the first portion of BSF and went to the Four Provinces of Ireland (cute little rest./bar in Falls Church) where 20 or so of Anne's closest friends had braved the freezing cold and rain to drive all the way into VA (most were from MD or DC) to wait unknowingly for anywhere from .5 to 1.5 hours for us to arrive! It is a true testament to how well she is loved! Anne was truly surprised, and a bit shell shocked for probably 30 minutes. There were beautiful flowers, balloons, presents, some shepherd's pie and a roomfull of people there to celebrate a life. I am humbled by great friendships in my life...of which Anne is one. Events always make me reflective...but mostly, I am reminded of the truest of all friendships...my friendship with the One that laid His life down for mine. "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4:10. I am so lucky to have many to help me up.