The Plumbline

I often comment it has been a good day because I learned something new on that particular day.  In fact, I make it a point to learn something new - it keeps me challenged and I enjoy the learning (most of the time).  Ever had to learn a lesson you just didn't want to learn?  I have - too many times to count!  Those are the things which are tough to learn, but necessary if we are to grow up into strong and "survivable" creatures.  I had to learn to brush my teeth, or I'd realize they would all fall out from decay.  I had to learn to take showers on a regular basis, or I would have body odor even I wouldn't feel comfortable with! These were probably some of the easier lessons to learn in this life - the ones I can say I have mastered.  Then there are the tougher ones - like learning to keep my mouth shut at times when less words are better than more, or how to navigate risky relationship paths that need to be traversed, but which are pocked with all kin...

Mom always used to tell me, "If you want friends, you have to show yourself friendly."  Easier said than done when you are an introvert!  As a kid, one of the hardest struggles I had was actually breaking into a new circle of friends.  I was devastated when a school year came to an end, because I knew a long summer awaited me and I would have a new class with new classmates the next school cycle.  So, although it was inevitable that I'd have a new group of chums next year, I still dreaded it so much.  I rarely extended myself - always waiting for someone else to make the first move.  It was hard work to make friends - so I often just settled for eating alone or playing on the playground with little to no interactions with others.  I might have been labeled as a "loner" by some, and as a little "stuck-up" by others - depending on how they wanted to see me. On the inside, I was miserable - because I wanted to be welcomed into the circles and longed for ...