What makes an ordinary person extraordinary?

As I was perusing some local hot spots tonight (or really, camped out on the hotel bed browsing other blogs), I came across someone's post honoring her friend.  While I didn't know the person she was writing about, I could sense the love and admiration she held for her.  It didn't seem she had written it because of any event (you know birthday, she did something nice for her, etc.), but rather just because she simply wanted to honor her.

It got me thinking about what it means to be an honorable person, or an extraordinary friend.  This whole thought has been bubbling to the surface because of Brian's grandma's funeral which was just a few weeks back.  As I mentioned previously, the entire events surrounding her burial were very bittersweet.  She was quite literally an extraordinary woman, a woman to be honored.  She took me into their family when I first met her at Brian's graduation, and ever since she has been a shining light in my life. And to others, she was so, so much more.  During the funeral, family and friends had the opportunity to share different stories about her.  So many stood up and shared about the love she poured out, what a blessing she was, how much she gave to those around her, and how her Spirit was always dedicated to God.

Not to get dark here, but in some ways, her funeral made me think of mine.  It made me think of what legacy I would leave on this earth, what things people would say about me.  Would people say I was admirable?  Would they share stories of how I loved selflessly, and gave until it hurt? Would they share that my life wasn't really about me?

Am I the extraordinary person I wish to be?  No, of course not.  But, I hope that I have some years left on this earth to keep striving towards it. While I don't tend to make resolutions, maybe I will keep this thought in my heart and mind through 2012 (and beyond).  How might I lay my life down, to serve & glorify Jesus, and in doing so - others, through love, commitment, grace, and selflessness?

"A worthy woman, who can find? For her price is far above rubies."  Proverbs 31:10 (ASV)