Friends

I've been doing a little soul searching today and was remembering the fact that I recently felt I was being judged on the basis of who my friends are or by the things they had said to me (both here and in real life). It was judgement made on a "snapshot view" as I like to call it. We all are guilty of taking these little snapshots from time to time, but what we choose to do with them really tells the story of who we are. I've always felt that we should take the time to really see beyond what lies on the outside. There is so much life in people beyond the little snapshot.

I guess my point here is that I'd like everyone to see my friends as I do without taking judgement on what they see on the outside.

This is what I see when I look at my Friend List.

I see the fathers and mothers that are devoted to their children.

I see the philosophical soldier and the military veterans that are always quick to encourage and offer advice.

I see the cancer researcher that moonlights as a composer.

I see the artist that enjoys touching people with his beautiful gift.

I see the man that lived out his dream of moving to another country.

I see the godless (not soulless) and the faithful.

I see the woman that knows no strangers.

I see the woman that has lived through many hardships and still keeps a positive attitude about life.

I see the construction workers that enjoy the pure joy of riding their motorcycles in the sun or shushing down the side of a snowy mountain on a pair of skis.

I see the completely outrageous personality that truly does have a quieter and gentler side.

I see the "god among men" that has wisdom and kindness well beyond his years.

Above all, I see a list of people that have hearts of gold once they let you in to see them.

All told, I think this is a rather remarkable list of friends...one that I am quite proud of and so very lucky to have.