It's been a quiet weekend. Uneventful, except perhaps, for the great basketball game Friday night. I pondered what to write about today since I lead a rather quiet, some would say "boring", life most of the time. I'm the first to admit that I'm not an exciting person. However, I've come to realize that it is in the quiet moments, the reflective moments, that we discover who we are and what is important to us.
I've been thinking a lot about friends lately. I don't spend a lot of time with other women. I suppose because I was raised with boys and moved a lot, I never really bonded with others of my gender. I wasn't fond of shopping or music concerts or other teen girl activities. I was a bit of a loner and still am. (I don't have anyone I'd call if I wanted to go buy a dress, or anything else, because it would make me very, very uncomfortable to share that experience with anyone.) However, I truly enjoy talking to friends and colleagues and even strangers. I love to listen to other women talk about their families and work and even their problems. I've received some wonderful emails this week, and spent time talking to some of my favorite people. Not exciting, but wonderful for the soul.
One of my dearest friends is someone I haven't even seen in several years. We met in the seventies and formed a bond. I told her recently I think our guardian angels must be friends. :) We've just always had a connection of the heart. Emails and letters have to keep us together now that I'm in OK and she's in CA. However, I'm still hoping that we will meet again in person one day.
I received a touching gift from a friend yesterday. She understands my obsession with elephants and is always on the lookout for interesting ones. She gave me three to add to my collection. Thanks B!
I also got an anonymous gift from someone in town, and an email thank-you from a stranger far away. Both "made my day". It's always nice to be appreciated. I try to "pay it forward" by remembering to thank those who are kind to me in some way.
Speaking of that, I saw a report about a bank that gives their employees a Christmas bonus check, with the stipulation that they have to give it away. It's a great way to help others and the employees raved about how good it made them feel to be able to help someone or some group in their town. I was impressed with the bank, but also with the attitude of the employees.
I've talked about friends today, but I want to offer up a challenge to you. I want to challenge you to show some kindness to a stranger this week. You never know who may become your next friend...
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