The Circle

I tend to use the word "friend" a bit too loosely. I've always been one to immediately put someone in my "friend book" upon meeting them. But as you get older, "friend" takes on a whole new meaning and you realize that your book has become a circle.

Over the last few months and even over the course of the year, I have taken beatings from those who I labeled as a friend, and felt heartbroken. Laughed at in my face, cut off completely, not acknowledged in private but only in public, used. I just couldn't understand. If I focused too much on the actions, then the beatings became worse and the pain won over.

But then in those moments, I would receive an encouraging, loving message or call from very special people in my life and I realize that my circle of friends are what carries me through and is more important than everything else. My best friend, Laura, is someone I know I can count on through thick and thin and will love me even with my faults. I have such great Godly role models - David and Pam, Jan and Ronnie, Chuck and Ruth, Mark and Nancy to show me what love can be; my Nurture Team ladies at church to be Godly women examples. My friend Tom who has been in my life for the last 7 years and will always be a part of it (and he sends me M&Ms! haha). And of course, my family.

When life gets you down or when people fail you, remember that there are those who truly love you and will always be there for you. That's why I call it "the circle". Without the circle, life would be hard. Surround yourself by people who will be an inspiration and encouragement in your life, who will bring you up when you are down, pick you up when you fall, make you laugh through your tears, and will love you with no questions. You are only as strong as the people you surround yourself by, so make it a strong circle that will not break or bend. That's where you will find true happiness, true friendship and unconditional love.