Words impressed on my heart today

For those that have known Kristi & me over the years, you will greatly understand why this is one of the best birthday wishes I've gotten today:

Via text I read, "35 years ago my life changed forever...There have been good times...Not so good times...And really crappy times! But there is no one else I would want to call sister...Happy birthday!! I hope it is a great day! Love you!!!"

************************************************************************************************************
I also received a beautiful card with the prayer of St. Francis on it.  I've read this before, but in light of what God has been speaking to me and life circumstances it struck a chord again:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.