love who you love

Yesterday morning, I received news that a very good friend of our Children's Ministry had passed away. My first emotions were obviously shock, because I just saw him a few weeks ago and he seemed great, and sadness at the loss of such a precious, Godly man. I called his wife to tell her how much I thought of Mr. Gibbes and to see if there was anything I could do for her family. She was so encouraging...very thankful to be certain Mr. Gibbes is with Jesus now, as well as confident in her plans to continue in the ministry they started together.

After a few minutes, my next thoughts went straight to the last time I saw Mr. Gibbes. He was so kind to our group. He shared stories with the kids and teased BB and I about several things. I found myself so thankful that we got to see him one last time. I was thankful that we made the effort to take a group to his home and spend some time telling him how much his ministry meant to us. We were all blessed to have known him.

Now, having said all that, I want to share with you the lyrics of one of my (current) favorite songs. (you can actually click over there ---> in the right column and hear the song)

Give all ya got like it's your last day
Your heart and soul before it's too late
and pull 'em in so close they can feel it
with every single breath that you're breathin'
Breathe it in again and again

Love who you love with all that you have
and don't waste the time that flies so fast
Love who you love and say that you do
Hold on as tight as they'll let you
Love who you love
Hold on, hold on

I've been loving this song for awhile now for several reasons. See, some days I think I live out this song completely. I hold onto every friend and every minute and some days I prolly say "I love you" one time too many. There are several (or more) people that I never hang up the phone with without saying "I love you." But there are also those days I spend totally concentrated on myself. I forget to take care of the people around me. I forget to tell them how they've changed my life.

There have been so many people in my life. Being a PK, I moved around alot. Also, situations & circumstances have changed over the years. I've lost touch with so many people...some of those being friends I thought I'd have for life. But, I've also held onto a handful for up to 13, 16, even 18 or 19 years now. I hope I've given all I got to them. I hope I haven't wasted too much time with those precious people. I hope I've told them how they've changed my life.

Love who you love
and say that you do