Not once, but twice...

In the priest's message yesterday I heard two things. Usually, the message isn't that riveting, but yesterday's spoke about friends in a way that made me take notice. The first was when he said that we don't know why, but some friends just by being there and listening make a difference. Just by their willingness to listen unconditionally, our hearts are lightened. That phenomenon always puzzled me. How is it that just someone's presence without even speaking makes a difference? Human emotions have so many mysteries... But to have those connections in your life is something to treasure because they are rare.

Second, sometimes we have that one person who sees something in us that we don't see in ourselves. With their encouragement we pursue something that we might not have otherwise. This is exactly what happened with me. Teaching has always been my passion because it came naturally to me. I love it! Being encouraged to go into politics was new. Never thought about it until someone suggested it and encouraged me. As it turns out, they were right! Their encouragement and friendship to this day has been something that I have cherished. So I am extremely grateful for that friend.

All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.
- Havelock Ellis