The blessing of friends

 One of my dear friends lives in England.  Penny and I share a passion for gardening, writing, and prison ministry.  During her visits to the states, she and her family often stayed in our home.   She often teaches me....She demonstrates how to have a "proper" cup of tea.  During one visit, she helped me plant irises. In the spring, those purple irises remind me of our friendship.  Another time, she shares her "green" cleaning tips ...She  avoids using harsh cleaning chemicals. Most importantly, we share our faith in Jesus.

In August, Penny lost her husband.  I was blessed to have known Colin.  This morning, Penny shared a tribute that was read at his funeral.

Blessings

"If you met Colin on the street, or at a bus stop, or is a shop, you were blessed, for it wouldn't have been long before he smiled and struck up a conversation and showed an interest in you.  Colin loved people.

If you worked with Colin, you were blessed, for he was honest,  hardworking and reliable and always willing to give advice or a helping hand.

If you sang with Colin, you were blessed, for he had the voice of an angel and he gave people a glimpse of heaven with his music.

If you shared Colin's interests and hobbies, you were blessed, for he was great fun and laughed easily, knew how to enjoy the simple things of life and relished being around friends and nature.

If you were Colin's friend, you were blessed, for he was loyal, true and was always more interested in you than himself.

If you worshiped with Colin, you were blessed for he know His Lord, had a simple faith that was never sanctimonious or pretentious.

If you were in trouble and asked Colin for help, you were blessed, for her would have been at the head of the queue to do what he could to assist, and would never count the cost, or expect a favour in return.

If you talked with Colin, you were blessed, for he was always more ready to listen than to give his own opinions, never thinking badly of you, being judgemental.

If you were a charitable organisation and asked Colin for help, you were blessed, for his heart was big and his pockets deep. He would never turn you away.

If you were Colin's step child or in-law, you were blessed, for he accepted you warmly into his family, treated you like his own flesh and blood and loved you as one of his own.

If you were his grandchild you were blessed, for he adored you, care more than you will ever know, and prayed for your welfare every night.

If you were Colin's child you were blessed, for he created a loving, safe home to nurture you, gave you the best of starts, set you a wonderful example and taught you true values.

If you were Colin's wife, you were the most blessed of all, for he was a lovely, caring, man, who took the trouble every day to tell and prove to you how cherished, special and precious you were to him.  You were privileged to be chosen to share his life, his ups, his downs, his joys, his sorrows.

He was gentle, humble, warm, kind, funny and generous.  He embodied the fruits of the spirit.

He often used to ask  "What have I ever done in my life?' as if living every day in God's purpose and reflecting the love of Jesus to others were not enough.

In life Colin was a peacemaker, and in death, his spirit continues to bind people together.

When I want to know how to be a better person, I will think of Colin. Thank you my dear one, for choosing me, and goodbye my darling, - till we meet again.

Well done, good and faithful servant rest in peace."

Penny was blessed with a  Godly husband.