The Best Things in Life are Free

Some of the best things happen unintentionally. I credit some of my most supportive and fulfilling relationships to a series of unintentional events.

It all started with a knock on the door to our new house. As first time homeowners we were painting, cleaning, as well as other general activities that make our home, "our home". We answered the door and there was someone we recognized, but didn't know. She was from our Sunday school class and was now presenting us with cheese soup and tortilla chips. It was probably not Amy's favorite combo, but boy I loved it.

Of course we were inspired by the kind gesture and followed up with them. They nonchalantly invited us to be with some of their other friends. I think it was dinner or something, probably Tazikis since we did spend just about every Friday evening there for at least a year.

It's funny to look back just a relatively short period of time. You see those Friday nights at Tazikis looked a whole lot different than it would today. There was just six of us. Yep, six adults who could have uninterrupted conversation. Wow! Uninterrupted conversation? What a great opportunity to begin some of the most meaningful relationships that we've ever had.

Today looks a whole lot different. Some of us have bigger houses. Some have two houses (not a vacation house though). We all have larger families. And most importantly, we all have a ton of memories that are the bonds that keep us connected.

I am inspired by the simple messages of life. You see at some point we should all realize that a stock portfolio doesn't entitle happiness, position doesn't earn respect, and just looking nice in front of others isn't considered good character. But there are some things like genuine and true and simple friendship that carry us for a lifetime. You see, you just can't create the kind of relationships that I speak of. The kind of friendship that I speak of only results from the presence of good times and bad times just like easy times and tough times. Those diverse circumstances offer opportunities to be supportiave and supported, to be fun and made fun of, or to carry and be carried.

Thank you friends, you know who you are. You are an inspiration and a gift. Won't it be fun to see what we look like in another five, ten, or even twenty years. Yikes!