Standing Out

  You can't help but notice certain people. I'll take the college as a prime example. There are about a thousand students enrolled; how could you possibly know everybody. But there are some people whom you just take notice to. They may not even know who you are, but their presence is a constant reminder of the wonderful community around you and how comforting it is to see the constant contact with those excellent people and friends with whom you begin to form friendships with.

  Why do we notice these certain people - what does our mind see that picks them out from a crowd? You can't help but take their presence and form them into your idea of what the college life is. There are certain people who a really friendly and greet you with a smile in the lunch line every day. There're people you simply notice but have no idea what their first name is. And then of course you have the outgoing personalities whom everybody loves and respects. And there are those from last year who have graduated and are moving on in their present lives.

  You miss a particular laugh that everybody recognizes, a hug that you always received from that really nice lady, or a smile just from a random person walking by that really changes your daily mood for the better. But then you look and see that everything happens at its time. I tend to take joy in that; in the warm memory of friends past, in the joyous revelry of what is current, and in the wonderful anticipation of joys and laughs to come - all with your family and friends.

  In my opinion the more people you know and are involved with, the richer your life will be.

  Forming really close relationships are also extremely special. I was very caught the other night as I was re-watching the third Lord of the Rings movie. At the very end, exhausted best friends find the courage and ability to encourage the other to keep moving. And in the end, when one couldn't carry on any longer, the one takes a stand and goes the extra mile. "I can't carry it for you," he realizes. But what he says next is even more precious. "But I can carry you!"

  It strikes me as amazing the ability - and the great blessing - God has given us to form such deep bonds of fellowship with those around us. Contact with old friends or pen pals, calls from a relative, and a chance meeting of friends push and drive us into the unknown wonder that is the Lord's plan for our lives. And the great thing about it is, in His Word, we're all the first to know it...

  ...Now, who will be the first to truly accept His love?

  Stand out. Believe. Continue to make your story.