A Special, Special Friend

On March 9, 2013, Glenna Brittain Spain completed her journey on earth.  What a dear and special friend.  I have known Glenna since we were both 4 years old.  We grew up in Pasadena and both of our families were part of South Main Baptist Church, Pasadena, all of our growing up years.  There are so many special memories from those years at church, Sunday School, Training Union, GA’s, children’s and youth choirs, mission trips, Vacation Bible Schools, youth fellowships, slumber parties and just spending time together. 

 

Then after college and marriage, Glenna and Dan joined Tallowood in 1976 and Larry and I came in 1979.  It has been such a blessing to still be in touch, to watch Summer and Sara grow up through the years, and to have our children know each other.

There were so many family and friends who gathered for the celebration of Glenna’s life.  Glenna treasured her family.  She lived her life well as daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, wife, in-law, mother, and Gigi.  Her love and investment in their lives gave her so much joy.  She was also a wonderful friend.  Glenna had such a loving heart and caring spirit and she loved Jesus.  Her words were wise and kind; she didn’t complain; she listened, encouraged people, and made them feel special; she expressed joy; she was generous with her gifts of love and time; and she lived life to the fullest.  Glenna had a heart for sharing Jesus with others whether it was someone she had known for a long time or had just met…her hair dresser, a vendor at the bridal extravaganza, her realtor, and people at the hospital.  She was sure of her salvation, knew the importance of a relationship with Jesus, knew where she would spend eternity, and wanted that for others as well.  It is not surprising that her favorite Bible verse was John 3:16.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Even to the end, Glenna wanted to concentrate on living rather than dying. Her life was both well lived and well shared.

 

There have already been times during these weeks that I’ve thought of things I wanted to call and tell or email to Glenna.  She is already missed.  Even though she is gone, the impact Glenna had on my life will continue to encourage, challenge, and inspire me in the days and years ahead.  And along with the tears, there is much thanksgiving for the way God blessed my life through Glenna’s friendship.  And one day, since both of us have accepted Jesus’ invitation to be our Lord and Savior, I will get to see Glenna again in Heaven.

 

Some thoughts during these days…  

   

*I need to be intentional about letting family and friends know how important they are to me and express my love to them.

 

*This is the day God has given me to live. If I spend too much time dwelling in the past or dreaming and worrying about the future, I will miss out on the gift of today.

 

*Each day I choose what my legacy will be by my decisions, words, actions, reactions and deeds.

 

*It’s what I have given and invested in others that will live on after me.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8