Three of the most important factors in my life are family, faith and friends.  You can imagine how good it is to see those values carried on in my sons and now in my granddaughter.  She is blessed with wonderful parents.  They have dedicated themselves to unity and the nurture and care of their daughter.  Sunday, was (High School) senior day at Cornerstone Church.  Briana had played a game in the state tournament on Friday, and two games on Saturday.  Briana and her parents got home late that night.

Briana, who has been a bit shy in the past, had volunteered to speak in Sunday services at her church.  They have three on Sunday morning.  So she was at church early on Sunday.  At least it wasn’t another 5:30 AM practice in the pool.

I was able to attend the 11:15 service with Bryant and Barbara.  (Sylvia had a commitment in our church and couldn’t be there.)  We arrived a bit early and had a chance to talk with Briana before the service.

If you were to look up friends in the dictionary, you might find a picture of Riane and Briana.  They were the speakers and they each shared their experience with a youth-group project.  The project involved praying, listening and acting on what they heard.

Briana share with us how her experience led to helping a boy–a friend of a friend–who needed some help and advice.  Riane ended up in an elder care facility where she found a warm welcome.  Next week, the audio should be posted online.  I’ll share a link to that so you can listen if you would like.

After Riane shared her part, Briana came to the front and wrapped it up with a few words in which she asked those in attendance to follow their example.  I said earlier that Briana has been shy in the past.  On Sunday, I saw a poised and confident young lady share intimately with 1000 people.

After church, we stopped for a sandwich.  As we sat in the restaurant a woman came up to the table and said, “I was in the service and really appreciated what you said.  You are a beautiful young lady.”  Briana responded with a smile and a “Thank you.”

Later that afternoon, Bryant took Briana to Grand Valley State U.  She spent the night there and participated in an orientation session for Honors College students.  Barbara and Bryant were there on Monday for six hours.

More blessed than I deserve.