Risky

Yesterday I was sitting in my friend Jody's office, listening to him share with me something he is really passionate about.  Even though I bristled a bit at one of his conclusions, because of my respect for him personally I felt compelled to lean in and and try to understand his point of view.  Though the mood at the end of the conversation was a bit subdued, I believe a bond was formed because of our mutual willingness to fully engage the topic.  It is risky to really consider another person's point of view, but a necessary prerequisite for real friendship.  It is also scary to reveal your personal perspective on a sensitive issue, but again necessary to gain and build trust.   

Just Breakfast

I was having breakfast with my friend Rob this morning.  I listened intently about what's been going on in his life lately.  He listened just as intently to what's been happening with me.  Because we have much the same values (faith, family, etc.), we very naturally go beyond empathy to exhortation at times.  Just a reminder to be that person for your friends and family.  Rather than living our lives "asleep at the wheel," let us engage with the people we care about, and maybe even with people we don't know or don't know well.  Let us, like our Father, be AWARE and ACTIVE as we journey through this life.