the beauty of friendship

At a recent birthday celebration for a dear friend of mine all her guests were blessed with these gorgeous roses as a thank you for our friendship. I was caught off guard when she turned the focus of her celebration away from herself and onto her guests. I had never been a part of anything like that before and I have to say that I was a bit uncomfortable being in the spotlight as she spoke kind words about each of her guests individually. I was deeply touched by her words of affirmation and am always amazed at her selflessness. As I have enjoyed watching this rose bloom and open up each day this week it has encouraged me to think beyond myself and to express gratitude for my family and friends as my own birthday approaches. After all, the best gifts are truly the people that touch my life daily and encourage me to be a better person.