God doesn’t give you the people you want, he gives you the people you need. To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you, and to make you the person you are meant to be. Author Unknown
I’ve learned over the years life events cycle–ready or not.
There are the happy times, joyful times, hard times, and devastating times. Just when I start celebrating my blessings, things make an abrupt change.
It’s funny–not ha-ha funny–how I’m still taken off-guard. It reminds me of all those Survivor episodes I’ve watched where people are sitting around tribal council telling Jeff Probst they are sure they will not be the one voted off.
That’s become a pretty big indicator they will be the one going to that season’s form of Exile Island.
I’m adding my voice to those telling us to live each day to the fullest. With age it is clear change is one of the few constants. Those every day eyeopening discoveries we had in our youth are now replaced by daily shocking reminders of our mortality.
Nothing is promised. Treasure those who are near and dear and hold on tight.
Baxter Black tells us this about friends:
Friend is a word that I don’t throw around
Though it is used and abused. I still like the sound.
I save it for people I can count on if ever need be.
Some of my friends drive big limousines
Own ranches and banks and visit with queens.
And some of my friends are up to their neck
In overdue notes and can’t write a check.
They’re singers or ropers or writers of prose
And others. God bless ’em, can’t blow their own nose!
I guess bein’ friends don’t have nothin’ to do
With talent or money or known’ who’s who.
It’s a comf’terbul feelin’ when you don’t have a care
‘Bout choosin’ your words or bein’ quite fair
‘Cause friends’ll just listen and let go on by
Those words you don’t mean and not bat an eye.
It makes a friend happy to see your success.
They’re proud of yer good side and forgive all the rest
And that ain’t so easy, all of the time,
Sometimes I get crazy and seem to go blind!
Yer friend just might have to take you on home
Or remind you sometime that you’re not alone.
Or ever so gently pull you back to the ground
When you think you can fly with no one around.
A hug or a shake, whichever seems right
Is the high point of given’, I’ll tellya tonight.
All worldly riches and tributes of men
Can’t hold a candle to the worth of friend.
I am…
B…simply being.
Peace be with you, my friends.
B...simply being... 