More than the Whos

First thought: I need to be a little more consistent in this. Second thought: I need a few more hours each day to do it.
I took the opportunity tonight to travel to my hometown--the bustling burg of Donovan, IL, population 350...if you count the dogs and cats. The high school put on a performance of Seussical the Musical, and I knew several of the cast members. The musical was tremendous, and all the actors/actresses did a fantastic job.
The highlight of the evening, though, wasn't The Cat in the Hat (who was born the week I left for college) or Mayzie (who I've known since she was in grade school) or the Whos or Horton. No, the highlight for me came before the show even started.
Think back on your life for a moment. Who are the people who impacted your life in such a way that you could never forget? Maybe at the moment you didn't realize the importance their presence in your life, at that moment, would have years later. Maybe they didn't even do anything profound. I often think back to my wayward days in high school--the social nobody who never got invited to parties, never had a boyfriend, went to dances alone, who sought out acceptance in anyway possible. Though I loved school for the academics, I hated the social aspect of it. One of the bright lights those four years was youth group, especially my senior year. A couple from the "other" church in town invested time with us occassionally, and I eventually formed what has been a great friendship through the years with the wife. I've watched her two oldest children grow into adults who love God and desire for Him to be their guide. I've watched their youngest son grow into a young man who loves life and lives it to the fullest. I don't get to spend much quantity time with the family, but savor every hour we do have as quality time.
Thus, the tears when I unexpectedly ran into her tonight. I hadn't expected to see her due to her work schedule. A trip to purchase a cookie shaped like a hat suddenly became the highlight of the evening for me.
So, thank you friend. I can't say enough how much your friendship has meant over the years. Thank you for being there. I am blessed to know you.

Father, thank You for this family, their friendship, and the impact they have had on so many people. Thank You that You saw fit to connect us in Christ so many years ago, and with a connection that can never end. Help me to see more each day the impact I have on those around me. Help me to be Your light to them, young or old, rich or poor, that they may see You in my life. Not that I would receive glory, but that they would glorify the One who lives in me.