companions on our journey...

Too many cookies can cause a stomachache...
Too much given to us can convince us that we are entitled to things
and that someone else should provide what we need.

I find, perhaps you do too, that I am tempted by the extra cookies in life. I am not a lukewarm person. Either I am excited about something or I'm not. I do not seek out things I feel, "iffy" about. It is hard to accept that there are things in life that must be done carefully regardless of how I feel.

One good example can be found in how we choose those who walk with us through life. Whether the companion is a platonic friend or someone who makes our heart smile, forming relationships takes time. Experiences form common memories, conversations allow us to learn about the one we are interested in. How someone has responded to what they have encountered in life tells a great deal about the kind of person they are.

Days turn to weeks, weeks to months and if you are fortunate, months to years... friendship is formed. If along the way you find, or they do, that there is something that makes a relationship impossible, you are blessed with the knowledge.

Trust...
Friendship...
Relationship...

Beautiful words, worth more than gold.
Now and always,
I ask that you,
that I,
that we,
are blessed with wisdom and patience.

May we choose companions carefully for this journey we call life...
and may we...
become,
each day,
better friends
to those who care for us.

Monday

I set my alarm a bit earlier this morning in anticipation of moving slowly. I was happily surprised that everything still worked despite the exercise it was given yesterday.

As I climbed out of bed, I said thank you and pondered my weekend. Thought over the week before me and considered the path of my life.

The people I climbed with yesterday were all strangers to me before the day began. Now, a common interest and a shared experience have made them something else.

As the day had wound down, I found myself standing with the four other women who came without a guy in tow. We watched as our guide took his own trips over the edge and we shared a bit about ourselves. It turned out that we had all been divorced. We all felt regret over the sadness in our past but affirmed that even when the path you find yourself on is not what you would have originally chosen, the world is a magnificent place.

Divorce is a horrible thing. Something awful happens when sacred bonds are broken. Yet, it is not the end. The world is beautiful. People are kind and there are adventures out there to be considered.

Despite the rush of yesterday, my most important adventure is the one I was entrusted with more than fourteen years ago. I am a mom. I pray that I am given the wisdom to lead my children and the strength to care for their needs.

I ponder my life, my example and I find that I am not perfect and I sigh. Then, I consider the truth. That if anyone puts their faith in a human, they are bound for disappointment. Regardless of the kindness and integrity of the human chosen, none of us is perfect. Yet, to walk in this world happily, we must form relationships. We all need people to care for and individuals to care for us.

It is a tricky path we trod. Who or what is the center of our lives? Do we believe that God is looking out for us, that He cares? If we do, how then do our lives reflect our beliefs?