What do you think about your friends
Friends are....
Well, first of all, when I hear the word "friends" I feel all warm and cozy.
My friends are the greatest.
My definition of Friends: Every person I have ever met who has influenced my life for the better, including family members, close friends, casual friends, and mere acquaintances.
I've said it before in previous posts, it's been my friends who have lifted me, helped me, strengthened me in all phases of my life. I've been fortunate to have good friends ... people who make good choices and work hard to do the right things in life. There is a lot to be said about that.
I've watched some young people select friends who only pull them down. This has always made me wonder how I ended up with so many good friends. Can a "friend" really make a difference in a person's life in the long run? I really think they can. If the people we spend time with encourage us, or even just go along when we make a suggestion to do something wrong, all supporting rods just drop out from under us. There is nothing noble in going along with something wrong just because we don't want to turn a friend down.
I've had friends who have helped me make the right choices. Maureen Stevens was one of those. When I landed in Wendell, Idaho, the third quarter of my Junior year, I left behind a group of people I thought were friends. But they were making bad choices. I was leaning towards them in lieu of great friends in my ward because, for some reason, I just thought they were 'cooler' than my ward friends. Then the direction I was headed did an about face. The family moved a long ways away from my 'cool' friends. I was thrown into a tiny school where friendships had been solid since grade school. These kids knew each other like the back of their own hands. And I was the newcomer.
But that didn't bother Maureen. She reached out to me. She accepted me. Together we made plans to go to BYU. She was the solid, dependable, always making the right choices kind of person I needed at that time in my life. I will always be grateful for the friend she was.
Today I am surrounded by lots and lots of friends. I continue to be strengthened by them. They are all really good people. You who are reading this blog are counted among them. I appreciate sharing my life with you, I appreciate your candid comments and your love. Thank you for being my friend.
2 comments:
I agree that friends have a huge impact, which is why I pray every night that my kids will find good friends. I have seen even the strongest kids go wayward because of the power of their friends. Obviously we make our OWN choices, but it is easier to do when you have people who support you. It is so tough to be a kid. I am glad you found good friends, and continue to find them.
Friends make a huge difference in someones life. Yay for Maureen and all your other good friends :)
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