Not about numbers

Sometime, I'll get the hang of living. 

Lately, you know, after my conscious state developed into this awareness of how life really works - basically after graduating high school - I've come to realize many things. Like:

1. Not everyone has the same thought process as you. As in, they just don't understand the same things you do, such as music taste, morals, humor, beliefs and Katy Perry.
2. Neverland does not exist, much to my dismay.
3. People do care what you look like.
4. Not everyone is a winner.
5. When that red light comes on in your car, you should really get it in to the shop. Or at least ask your dad what it means first.
6. Stores and companies really just want your money, even if you work for them.
7. When someone asks for your help once, they'll keep asking you, especially if you lend them money.
8. Basically the world revolves around money.
9. People die. And they don't come back.
10. It really is a small world after all. Too small, at times.

Granted, I've learned many more things, too, things that are more specific. But when it comes down to where I am right now and avoiding making the same mistakes over and over again, which I still tend to do, I can look at specific instances that have affected me and molded me to be who I am now.

I can safely say that although I am the same person, I have changed a lot since I've come to college. I was talking with a friend of mine today about what could/would happen after graduation rolls around. Obviously, we've both been through the graduation thing before in high school, but to me it's different in college. You can choose whether you stick around or whether you go some place totally different in the world.

My friend told me that he can think of two or three people from school who he might stay in touch with after he graduates. He has several acquaintances and people who he likes hanging out with, but that quality, I-need-someone-to-talk-to time doesn't come from those people, but from these two or three people with whom he has true relationships.

This is something I've pondered about before. I've learned a lot in situations I had no control over and from my own faults, but I've also learned a lot from other people. Even if there are only two or three people who I can say have helped shape me to grow in my relationship with Christ as my own person, I think I can manage to be okay with that. This world teaches us that we need all the friends we can get and we have to sink our teeth into everything we can. But to me, that isn't being intentional. 

Oh, intentionality. You're so difficult.

So, I'll be thinking about those close to me, my "two or three" if you will. I'll be praying for them and continuing my relationships with them. But if I can learn from others and, hey, teach others, too - even if that means stepping out of my comfort zone - I'm going to work on that also.