One of the greatest things i have been learning this year is how much we need relationships. Relationships with God, friends, family, strangers.. everyone. Without any relationships we would have nothing. In church today, our pastor talked about how we are ment to encourage each other. He had two soccer balls. one was filled with air and the other was deflated. When we are full, like the filled ball, we serve a purpose. But when we are empty, deflated, we are useless. To fill people up, we must encourage them. We must support them. be there for them. help them with everything, but especially their walk with the Lord. Saying that, we can also easily deflate people. The same "needle" that we use to pump others up can tear them apart, empty them. We do that by leaving them, talking bad about them, you know..all that stuff. I believe, we have all been both the ball and the needle at one point in our lives. I know there has been times where people have made me soo discouraged, but theres also times where i feel like i have been the one to greatly encourage someone.
This year especially, the Lord has blessed me with the oppurtunity to have so many good relationships. He has really given me the confidence i needed. I recently read a letter I wrote to my wyldlife leader (now my best friend :) ) a year or two ago. I said that i really didnt feel like i could open up to alot of people. Man, has that changed. Honestly, I feel like i can talk to anyone about anything. I know that's exaggerrating a bit, but thats seriously how i feel. I love having actual deep, emotional talks with people. Its the best.
I really dont want to look back on these next four year regreting all the friendships i could have had. I want to encourage and fill up the people God have placed in my life. I want to build lasting realationships. I want to have hour long talks about life. I want to live life to the fullest.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full - John 10:10
