iWondered what my first blog should be about. I started to make it something general and 'smooth'....but I might as well delve right in...
My latest observation has been this influx of people in life (on and offline) talking about friends... how great they are, how some have proven to be untrue, how some can't be trusted, etc. I've seen many posts and heard many comments mostly from people who are hurting or disappointed at the hands of failed or rocky friendships.
I haven't escaped it; I've been experiencing shifting in my connections to others as well. Both subtle as well as major changes in my friendships.
But instead of lamenting about the specifics of my situations (like many of my pals I've heard and read), I'm more interested in how it seems like soooo many people in my seven degrees of separation are talking about friendship. Many people are expressing their disdain, displeasure and disappointment...totally shocked by the rearrangements of their connections to people.
We expect and hope that those we choose as our friends are there for a lifetime. When, in fact sometimes (as disappointing as it is), some people are simply passing through your life. As you graduate to new levels and new self-discovery, not everyone is capable nor are they supposed to accompany you to the next thing(s) God has for you. I choose not to subscribe to the negative thought that the shifting friendship is the result of this evil, untrustworthy monster who viciously and intentionally hurts you... I tend to believe that most people do most things out of their own hurt, simple ignorance or misunderstanding.
I have the pleasure of informing you that not everyone is your "hater." We've taken that word and used it as the 'catch all' for every disagreement with have with another individual. Neither I nor you are that wonderful that we just have a city or community or church or school full of people who are our 'haters.' That's a divisive word that suggests superiority; when indeed God is working out everything for every one's favor...not just yours. He's concerned about the accuser and the accused, the victim and the perpetrator. His rain falls on the just and the unjust. His sun shines on the good and the not so good.
I suggest taking on Jesus' attitude and remembering that while He was being beat and ultimately killed by his would-be "haters".. He prayed for them; He earnestly prayed for them. He recognized that they simply didn't understand.
