A close friend is turning 40 this weekend. Her birthday wish? To celebrate with some special girlfriends--and I got invited for the fun! So, tomorrow morning I'm up at at 'em at O-dark-30, as the military says (translate: EARLY)  and off to the airport for a fast trip out of town.

We're going to celebrate as only girlfriends can--soaking in a jacuzzi and getting massages and painting our toenails and--yum!--enjoying a chocolate fountain! But the part I'm looking forward to is when we get a chance to speak a blessing over my precious friend.

Maybe turning 40 gave her an extra dose of boldness, but she spoke up and told us she wants all God wants for her this coming year--and wants us to pray for her.

Wow. To be part of that is a privilege that doesn't happen often.

So, since I'll be traveling, I'm saying what I'm grateful for a day early:

I'm grateful for the blessing of girlfriends--for the laughter they bring, for they support they provide, for how they make me a better woman, for all they teach me about life, love, and the pursuit of so much more than happiness.

May your day be anchored in gratefulness.