Friends

Have you ever had that unexpected hurt feeling? The one that rushes over you like a heat wave, pulling color to your cheeks and speeding up your heart rate like a revving engine? The feeling that creates an anxiety in you that can't be resolved because it hasn't been created of your own fruition? That feeling of attack; being treated unfairly; "I didn't do anything wrong! I'm trying here!"

I had that today.

I am pretty sure I have a clear perspective on what friendship is suppose to be and I absolutely know it includes benefit of the doubt and forgiveness. I also know that it should include laughter as well as tears and should never include bullying or mortal combat. 

Have you ever had that feeling that someone you've always considered a friend actually never has been a true one?

I had that today.

When someone makes you feel like a villan
more times than they make you feel loved,
that's not friendship.

When someone always asks things of you
that will help boost their success
but don't bother asking if they can return the favor,
that isn't friendship.

When someone will only return a favor
for monetary compensation,
that's not friendship

When someone throws accusing words at you
every time you find a chance to "catch up",
that's not friendship.

When someone puts your flaws under a microscope
never accepting you for who you are,
that's not friendship.

When someone expects you to call
but never picks up the phone to do so themselves,
that's not friendship.

If someone is demeaning
but says they aren't trying to make you feel bad,
they are not a friend.

If someone doesn't recognize the things you HAVE done
but insists on reminding you of all the things you HAVEN'T done,
they are not a friend.

If someone is always wondering
when you're going to drive 50 miles to see them
but never asks if they can come visit you,
they are not a friend.

If someone takes multiple opportunities to
glorify and celebrate themselves each day
but forgets to acknowledge things that are important you,
they are not a friend.

PEOPLE, LISTEN TO ME!

If there is someone in your life that you would call a friend, THINK! 

Think about that person.

Do you have a friend that inspires you?
Tell them.

Do you have a friend who's made you feel good?
Tell them. 

Do you have a friend that's talented?
Tell them.

Do you have a friend that you feel is extra good at a certain something?
Tell them

Do you have a friend you think is pretty?
Tell them.

Do you have a friend that you feel you've wronged?
Tell them

Do you have a friend that you think needs a hug? Give it.

Do you have a friend you think might need extra support?
Give it to them.

Do you have a friend that you think needs forgiving?
FORGIVE THEM NOW!

Do you have a friend?

If you don't think you do, BE a friend and you will find you have many.

Without true friendship, relationships will turn sour. Feelings will be hurt, anger will stir and hearts will break. Treat people fair. Don't be selfish. Life is not about #1 me-oh-my. Don't be hurtful or demeaning. Don't use harsh words or make acusations. Be humble and forgiving. Treat people like you would want to be treated.

The Golden Rule is made of gold for good reason. Think on that...

Music Monday

   

                                                         Helena Beat

                   
                                                                          also listen here

Today I would like to wish a happy Presidents day to those 

elect few presidents 

who pondered on truth, dignity and greatness 

and then did something 

to turn our country into something of wonder. 

Today's Music Monday Moment is brought to you by 

"Foster the People".  

As I listen to this song I see flashes of a road trip 

filled with freedom and adventure. 

I think I can almost feel the wind in my face 

as I drive with the windows down 

and can see the tinted sunshine from behind my retro shades. 

This song makes me believe in making memories and taking deep breaths.

This will be the soundtrack to my next home movie.

Love

On this day recognized as a day to celebrate love I wish to do just that.

I celebrate my husband, lover and best friend. He is the miracle in my life that makes me feel like I have a place and purpose. He is a solid rock in my emotionally chaotic world. I mostly feel completely undeserving of his love and compassion, but I also believe there is no one in this world who could balance me out and make me function. He is a true example of love.

I celebrate a mother who spent countless hours on her knees, washed pillow cases drenched with tears and sacrificed without recognition for years waiting for a child to come into her life. She, unable to physically bare children, became stronger than most women I know. She became steadfast and immoveable in her faith. She learned a different kind of love as she battled through feeling of inadequacy and grief. Children did come eventually. We just came in a way that created a bond of love unique to us.

I celebrate patience, for patience brings about clear recognition of the meaning of love.

I celebrate laughter, for laughter brings people together in love.

I celebrate tears, for tears bring people to comfort out of love.

I celebrate acceptance, acceptance is the key to opening the doors of love.

I celebrate you.

I celebrate me.

For we are all loved. Truth be told, love is what created us and love gives us a reason to celebrate.

Celebrate.

Owls

I'm lying in bed... 11:57 pm... Owls outside my window. I've become familiar with their coo as I lie closest to the window each night. It is soft enough that you wouldn't really recognize what it really is unless you adjust your ears to just the right setting and only listen for that distinct coo.

It is dark, but the owl sees.

It must perch outside my window and quietly sit, in darkness, until it sees something worth breaking the quiet light-less night.

I wonder

What keeps owls content in darkness? What makes them softly whisper "who?" in such a way as to make you believe they are actually asking a question in a lullaby fashion?

I lie in darkness. I don't see, but I hear them. I will hear a soft lullaby in my mind as I drift into sleep contemplating 'who'...