Count on Me

This year I have learned a BIG lesson about Counting. I have learned that there are some people who you can count on and some that you just can't. Or maybe you can count on them.....to do exactly what you might have predicted based on personal knowledge. Some people never change and some people step up and out of their comfort zone when they discern a need.
I learned a huge lesson in the value of real friends. Friends that loaned me money, friends that helped me pack, friends that drove me around and showed me the beauty of a Christmas night, friends that paid for meals, offered meals, lent their shoulders, knowledge and talents, and friends that made sure I was never very far out of touch with someone. And all of those friends gave me support, prayers, love and showed me the physical presence of Christ.
I learned a huge lesson in family. I learned that those who perhaps have always felt they could count on me, stepped up and made sure that my expectations were fulfilled in the life I left behind for awhile. Unfortunately, I also learned that I can be quickly forgotten by some.
It was in the realization that only my day to day presence makes me important with some people, that I came to know how important it is to be present. Each and Every Day. I watched some of the people who are in the facility with mom who had no visitors, who didn't have the comfort of even one person that was important to them. Whether they are fully cognizant of what day it is or sometimes who they are - they knew that they were unimportant. It broke my heart to see them shivering because no one had thought to bring them a sweater. To see them aimlessly circling a room for lack of someone to engage them in conversation. And to see them watching with envious eyes the people who did have people to visit with.
To my daughter - you have shown me the kind of woman I raised and you are my shining
moment. You are the greatest gift God has given me.
To my friends - you have taught me that true friendship knows no distance, no time, no dollar value. You have shown me the physical part of my faith.
To my God - YOU have shown me that only with help from YOU can I accomplish anything. I know that it was YOU and YOU alone that stirred the hearts of good men and women to step up and be counted. So many prayers of mine YOU have answered, so many nights YOU have covered me in your assurance and brought me sleep, so many tired steps YOU have lifted my feet and gently pushed on. So many people YOU have laid on my heart to pray for. If I could ask one more thing of YOU it would be to give me the kind of heart I need. Please God make me always someone who can be counted.