L I F E
Sometimes talking it all out with a friend is the most therapeutic thing ever. Just getting everything out in the air, being completely honest about struggles, and talking about all these things in the context of God's promises and truths. Getting to that point in a friendship is not always easy, but it's worth it. I haven't always realized the importance of having close, godly friends. Sometimes it seems like it's downplayed in our circles. There's such a big emphasis on family integration, that we forget how important the extended family of God is. Anyway, with all of that being said, here are some of the things my sister-in-law-in-law and I talked about last night. Talks with her greatly encourage my heart. I don't want to forget them.
We talked about unrealistic goals. Thanks a lot, Pinterest. ;) But seriously, when I stop and think about my life now and what I think I want my life to be like in the future, it's scary to think about how easy it is to set goals and pictures that just aren't realistic. It's hard to balance being hopeful but not unrealistic.
We talked about those times you feel like you need approval from others. This is such a struggle. There are unspoken standards that a lot of people think need to be met, and if you're not going to school or working a "real" job, you're a loser. This just isn't true. It definitely stinks to feel disapproval from others, but is that really what matters anyway? Nope. It's also a reminder to not think that you know what people should be doing with their lives. Let's all just chill out and do our own thing, shall we?
Doing the right thing when it comes to guys was another topic. This one should be a lot easier than we make it. Guys should do the pursuing. Girls should not. If a guy is texting you constantly with no word of commitment, it's time to nip it in the bud. And that can be done kindly and lovingly, believe it or not. If he's a respectable guy, he'll appreciate your character and you'll both be better off for it. We also talked about how important honesty is. Pretending to be something or someone you're not just to get a guy is a terribly sad and wrong thing to do. And lastly, guys should not come between friends. Your friends and family most likely have a better view and perspective of situations than you do, and if they're warning you, you should listen to them. It's not rocket science.
Risks. In the form of friendships, and just in general. Putting yourself out there with someone is kind of scary. Nobody wants to become close with someone and have that relationship end poorly. It stinks. It hurts. But even though it's a risk, it's one worth taking. Decisions. Not knowing how things are going to turn out and being kind of freaked out about it.
Reconciliation and forgiveness. Perhaps the hardest one of all. Our pastor preached a wonderful, convicting sermon on this recently. Doing nothing is doing the wrong thing. So hard to apply, but so important.
We also laughed about creeps, eating sushi, and how we don't know what the heck we're doing in life.
Cheers to friends who say it like it is, and laughter, and thinking. (And not having it together.)
This is the life!
We talked about unrealistic goals. Thanks a lot, Pinterest. ;) But seriously, when I stop and think about my life now and what I think I want my life to be like in the future, it's scary to think about how easy it is to set goals and pictures that just aren't realistic. It's hard to balance being hopeful but not unrealistic.
We talked about those times you feel like you need approval from others. This is such a struggle. There are unspoken standards that a lot of people think need to be met, and if you're not going to school or working a "real" job, you're a loser. This just isn't true. It definitely stinks to feel disapproval from others, but is that really what matters anyway? Nope. It's also a reminder to not think that you know what people should be doing with their lives. Let's all just chill out and do our own thing, shall we?
Doing the right thing when it comes to guys was another topic. This one should be a lot easier than we make it. Guys should do the pursuing. Girls should not. If a guy is texting you constantly with no word of commitment, it's time to nip it in the bud. And that can be done kindly and lovingly, believe it or not. If he's a respectable guy, he'll appreciate your character and you'll both be better off for it. We also talked about how important honesty is. Pretending to be something or someone you're not just to get a guy is a terribly sad and wrong thing to do. And lastly, guys should not come between friends. Your friends and family most likely have a better view and perspective of situations than you do, and if they're warning you, you should listen to them. It's not rocket science.
Risks. In the form of friendships, and just in general. Putting yourself out there with someone is kind of scary. Nobody wants to become close with someone and have that relationship end poorly. It stinks. It hurts. But even though it's a risk, it's one worth taking. Decisions. Not knowing how things are going to turn out and being kind of freaked out about it.
Reconciliation and forgiveness. Perhaps the hardest one of all. Our pastor preached a wonderful, convicting sermon on this recently. Doing nothing is doing the wrong thing. So hard to apply, but so important.
We also laughed about creeps, eating sushi, and how we don't know what the heck we're doing in life.
Cheers to friends who say it like it is, and laughter, and thinking. (And not having it together.)
This is the life!
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| I'll be your therapist anytime, Delaney. ;) |
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