Do you utilize the gifts you have been blessed with in your day to day life?
This past weekend was such a blessing to so many who gathered to remember our dear friend. It was a weekend that was filled with so many emotions, and the gift to feel all these emotions with others that Heather had blessed was a gift. I woke barely able to move this morning, and did not think I would blog. I even took a picture of a passage written by someone else that was on a page in Colossians where I found my verse today. I was just going to use her writing. However, I will include a bit of my own thoughts today as I push to finish the race which I have committed to finish.
The blessings from the weekend, which overflowed, were from a gathering of true friends of Heather Cleevely. Collectively each one of us used our gifts to make this memorable weekend such a blessing. Dear friends opened their beautiful home to all who wanted to gather and love on each other. They selflessly provided food, beverage, beds and boating.
A long time friend of mine helped me organize and execute beautiful tributes to Heather, gorgeous floral arrangements from the UNC Swim & Dive team to honor Heather and her family on this very hard day. We also provided a wonderful tribute to Heather by providing Grateful Dead t-shirts to all who were present for Heather. She was a Grateful Dead follower to the end. As I learned while researching two weeks ago that they actually recorded an album titled “Go To Heaven.” I believe she was smiling down on us while Jerry Garcia played her a special tune in heaven.
Heather used her gifts to the fullest, and maybe almost to a point that sacrificed her own health. Although, I don’t think she would ever see her thoughtful friendships as a cause for her chronic migraines. There were several times when I called Heather while sitting on the beach healing. She always answered. Our conversations were always intentional, and deep, and included laughter. She was brilliant and had so much wisdom that she loved to share. Over this past weekend, I heard from countless, and I mean countless, friends, coaches, teammates, roommates, family members and her amazing husband how special and intentional she was to all of us with her days and presence. My hope is to continue to spread the love throughout my days, which are all a gift. Go be at peace dear H🩵🤍
Praying can and will provide peace and comfort in all your days in any situation or state. Pray with thanksgiving no matter what your circumstance. This is a complete reminder that life is fullest when we express gratitude, especially to our amazing Father in heaven. Paul’s words in Colossians were written while he was in a dark, cold, damp prison, and he was in chains. Note that he is not complaining, but reminding loved ones to pray vigilantly for he and his fellow disciples to be able to share the word of Christ with others.
Colossians 4: 2- 4
“Continue earnestly in prayer,
being vigilant in it
with thanksgiving;
meanwhile praying also for us,
that God would open to us a door
for the word,
to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in chains,
that I may make it manifest,
as I ought to speak.”
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