May 4, 2008 @ 10:51 am | Filed under: It's a Girl Thing,Uniquely Me

“Let’s go to dinner tonight.”

I was walking past, on my way downstairs, when Mike’s words caused me to pause.

“Okay…” 

“Let’s go around seven.” Mike barely looked up from his computer. “Sound good?”

“Sure.” I went on about my business, aware in a really weird way that something was just a bit off about his dinner suggestion.

He walked me into the restaurant promptly at 7:15 that night and I saw them immediately. A long table filled with friends and with balloons and with all kinds of reminders that I was turning…forty!

These friends were actually the women who serve with me on our WOW (Women of Worth) committee. I was beyond touched at the gesture but it was when I opened their gift that I felt the tears in my eyes and the joy in my heart.

Nestled inside of a great box filled with everything from popcorn to Funyons (there’s a story here!) to chocolate chip cookies was a hard-back copy of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. This is the book that WOW is using this year as a base for bible study groups and a fall retreat.

Inside both covers were words penned by these women, very special individuals who’ve come to mean the world to me. Each of them bring such talent and creativeness to our group. They serve tirelessly and willingly, and they share with me the burden that I carry for the women in our church.

Girls, you made my day!

You helped to make turning 40 a really special time in my life!