It's Thursday and I'm preparing for GMATs, a speaking engagement with some Jrs/Srs in high school and a trip to Dallas, Texas. Should be an interesting few days :)
So last night I spent some time @ TCBY conversing with a friend. It's funny because a lot of what we ended up talking about is currently topics of thought in my journal. The main part of the conversation revolved around friendships and who individuals surround themselves with. For me it started with a quote that states "Nothing will change you more over the next 5 years than the books you read and the people you meet." I wholeheartedly agree and in conversation realized that we all have choices in who we spend out time with. I know, it's a pretty simple statement, but why I make it is because ideally we would want to spend time with those that we can learn from, that encourage us, that challenge us, that are optimistic about life.
In my life I have had the good fortune of meeting a lot of different people and have lately been reflecting on those that have impacted me the most. At the same time I am taking active steps to not give so much of myself in friendships that are so draining, include pessimism often and are one sided. This in turn has forced me to see how I treat others. Do I encourage, do I challenge, do I love and serve as much as I can. I wish I did... It's not a natural tendency to put others before oneself, but that is where God steps in. Helps me realize that I am part of a bigger story and that community is often how things are complete...
I have also been thinking lots about what I am going to speak on Saturday night. I have the opportunity to speak to the Junior & Seniors at DaySpring Christian Academy. I don't want to give a standard talk or sermon like thing. God knows they have heard enough of them. I want to share with them a piece of my life and my heart for life. And to speak to the question that so many of them never get. The question "What are you doing next?" is asked abundantly when finishing any area in life. This question, though not bad, reflects an interest in external performance. The question I will pose is "Who are you going to become?" The answer here is based on character qualities and can only be answered through thought and a life aimed at (hopefully) pure intentions.
Time to go, that was long! Have a wonderful Thursday!
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3 comments:
"I am taking active steps to not give so much of myself in friendships that are so draining, include pessimism often and are one sided". You might want to rethink this sentence. If you truly want to "encourage...challenge...love and serve" these are the friendships that might best allow you to do these things. Believe me, I know how trying and difficult such friendships can be, but maybe your friendship will influence the person to grow and change. Perhaps these friendships will evolve into something that is less one-sided and more nurturing for you as well. I'm not advocating that you stick with a poisonous relationship (one that is actually harmful to you) but being patient with relationships that might be draining, etc. might allow you to grow as well. Just a thought. Besides, I don't want to lose you as a friend and I'm probably one of the folks you are thinking of ditching :)
70's dance champion :)You are not one of those friends but I did have certain people in mind when I wrote this. And I am not advocationg ditching people but more a healthy response to relationships that are draining, constantly draining. A healthy response for me includes balance and reflecting on all of my relationships. I think it is far too easy to just roll through life and not think about such things. I seek relationships with those I have been surrounded with, but if the relationship is constantly one sided, filled with negative tones and laced with sarcasm it brings me down a path I'd rather not go. Not giving up on folks (I'm an eternal optomist). But at the same time, it takes 2 to tango.
And for the record I appreciated your comment Rob, grrr.. making me think and stuff :) Thanks!
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