Friends

Really thinking today about the people in my life. So many have come and gone. Some by choice and some because of circumstances. Reflecting recently brings a mix of emotions when i think about some of the people that have crossed my path in my life.  If someone is no longer around they are thought of when a story is told, or when I open one of my many photo albums, or when we find them on social media. All the memories come flooding back, good and bad, and  the times shared. It's crazy how as time passes relationships dissolve and change.
Happiness, when I remember the laughs, how much fun we had, our kids growing up together, and all the  fellowships & parties
Anger,  when I remember how some seemed to be friends but in the end true colors were revealed.
Sadness at the loss of relationships because of a church split, because of  choices made, distance, and some well I don't really know. It's hard sometimes to not think about the ones that hurt the most. I've moved on & am over it but the scars are there, and sometimes they start to peel back & it hurts again. but makes me sad to know I have caused some scars too. It is so easy to dwell on those things then they take over my thoughts. Do they miss me like I miss them? Then the thought, maybe I'm best with out them. When true colors were revealed I did not need  those people in my life any more.
God has used all my experiences in my relationships to bring me to a place where I really understand how important it is to treasure all relationships. To be a good friend, and not cause hurt. To love and forgive more than  ever. Not to let the hurts hurt me any more, to look at the photos & remember the good not focus on the bad. It's there within us all but to truly understand and really act on it.
My heart will forever have a special place for all my friends past & present, I pray they are well..
Just a thought.. Time to reconnect..