40

Well here it is. The big 4-0.
It was an age that I was not looking forward to. Wasn't sure I wanted it to come.
But it has. It is here. And it came with a gift that I wasn't expecting.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said,
" A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature"

He followed with,
" It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them"

What an incredibly insightful man he was.

I recieved many wonderful gifts for my 40th birthday. But it wasn't the money, the cards, the coloring books, crayons, hat, sign, t-shirt, dinner or absolutely fabulous surprise trip to Disneyland that I put at the top of my list.

It is the beautiful and wonderful God-breathed friends that I hold dear to my heart. The people who are genuine and loving and give of themselves selflessly. Those who would lie to someone for 8 months just to bring them 3 days of joy. Those who dig deep into their pockets for someone whose pockets are a little shallow. Those who set their internet explorer for an alarm just so they can call and say Happy Birthday on that special day. Those who would call just to make fun of that certain age.

For all of my friends. My FRIENDS. I thank God that he has given me such a beautiful and wonderful gift. None other shall ever surpass the gift of your friendship.
Thank you, and I love you.