Great Mercy

I've been thinking a lot about friends lately, and I have been hearing this hymn a lot. Very fitting.

Each life that touches ours for good reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow, what greater goodness can we know
than Christ-like friends , whose gentle ways strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love, we praise thy goodness, Lord above.

Now, I know you can read this and get a lot out of it. But I would just like to emphasize the truthfulness of this song. God blesses me so much by surrounding me with wonderful people. I am positive that I don't deserve these blessings, but I am so grateful for their words and deeds and the laughter and smiles they provide. There is no greater gift or goodness than my friends. They are all such wonderful examples to me in multiple ways - spirituality, kindness, courage, strength, confidence, happiness, care-free, I could go on forever. My friends, despite their religion or faith, strengthen my faith and enrich my days.

Sometimes, when I look back on people I used to be friends with, I get a bit sad. But it truly is a miracle. Friends leave an imprint on my heart. Even though many things can never be the same with people who lose touch, one thing is always for sure - they have left a sweet and hallowed memory in my heart forever. Even though friends may go separate ways, I can take comfort in the knowledge that I will hold them in my heart forever. Not only that, but memories of these wonderful people bring my closer to God.

I am a stress case. I worry a lot, and I drive myself completely insane. Can you imagine how crazy I would be if I didn't have friends to bring me peace and love. Friends provide for me a sanctuary where I can be myself and forget my worries and my strife. Friends=Hakuna Matata. I am not worthy of my friends. Truly, I praise God for sending me such remarkable people. I can't express my gratitude, but the lyrics to this song sum it up pretty well.

And that's what Jenny thinks.