I came up with this quote as a compilation of a few different quotes that have been speaking to me recently. I have a feeling most of you today can relate to at least one part of this quote in one way or another. If you do, this blog post is for you. If you don't, it's also for you.

Taylor Swift writes songs about her personal life and relationships. She also writes completely fictitious songs that are not at all about her life. Sometimes my blog posts are about my current life, someone else's experience, my own past experience or even just thoughts I need to share because I believe the Lord has given me the desire to do so. 

The quote below refers to a time in my life when the waters were not calm. I found myself in a boat, in the sea, with choppy waves and a fierce current. Maybe you've been in that boat? When I think back on that time, as difficult as it was in the moment, what I remember most are the people, not the waves. Think of a trial like a huge crack in the pavement, too wide to step across. You're walking along just fine when all of a sudden you come upon a large crack that stops you in your tracks. It's long, deep and wide. It's challenging. It gives you pause. A friend is someone who walks up on the other side of the large crack, holds out their hand and gives you something to hold onto as you take a large step across the deep crevasse. 

I have always been a "true blue" sort of friend or at least tried to be. For this reason, I have friendships that are over 20 years old and wouldn't have it any other way. I love to meet new people, but even more so, I love to nurture my relationships and help them to be as close as can be. Even past friendships that have drifted over the decades still hold a very special place in my heart and I can talk to those people to this day and it's as though our hearts recognize one another perfectly!

When you are this type of relationship-oriented person, maybe you can relate to the fact that hurt feelings can happen. I want to encourage someone out there today (maybe it's you) in saying that every now and then relationships will change and what you thought was one way, turns out to be another. If this happens to you, please take heart and do NOT lose your sparkle!

In fact, blow your sparkle up to twice it's original size and offer it to someone nearby who was feeling a little dimmed. Take your hurt, package it up, send it back to where it came from and wish it all the best. Never repay it with anything other than kindness. You're sparkle is too bright for that. 

Here's what I want you to remember if you ever feel like life has dealt you a hand you weren't expecting, friends have treated you in ways you feel is undeserved or relationships are taking a wrong turn you didn't plan for:

1. YOU are special and treasured by God.

2. Be discerning when you open your heart to someone.

3. God has a reason for whom He places in your circle AND whom He removes.

4. Feeling betrayed or confused doesn't need to produce anger and resentment.

5. If you feel you've done all you can do, let it go.

6. A person's poor behavior toward you says more about them than it does about you. Stay the course.

7. Use trials as opportunities to become stronger.

And finally...

Remember how loved you are. Really. You're so loved. There are people in your life that care so much about your day, your fears, your kids, your spouse, your pets, your job and even what you're making for dinner. If you haven't found a friend like that yet, do not lose heart because you will.

God made us that way! I believe He is so happy when we find friendships and relationships like this. I believe He is glorified and His name is lifted when these bonds are embraced. I believe in your heart and all the value it carries! Do you? I hope so.

Blessings,