Just Because's!

Recently, my best friend and I have been going through some challenges. Having dated, a friendship is complicated! And to add to it, we're both very stubborn! (I know that might surprise some of you! Jaja) So as a result of our stubborn personalities and recent break up, it's been difficult. But it's also gotten us talking, a lot! In some ways it's easier to talk now because it seems as if nothing is "at stake." Today we had one of those "hind-sight is 20/20" conversations talking about what we would do differently if we were to start over. Isn't it funny how differently we view things when we're out of the moment? Well this conversation led to talking about "Just Because's:" things like buying flowers, going out to dinner, writing cards (or even sticky notes!), helping with boring tasks to make them go by faster, etc. It got me thinking about all the people in my life who deserve some "Just Because's." My mom, my friends (and of course my very best friend), some adults in my life who have done so much for me, my boss, anyone and everyone who means something to me. I would have loved some myself at times! (just for a bit of encouragement and a reminder that I was special to someone) The problem? "Just Because's" take TIME (something so coveted in my life, I know), sometimes MONEY (a college student spending money on something so trivial??!), and recognizing the special people in your life. The outcome? The special people in your life will be reminded often about how much they mean to you, YOU will be reminded about how much those people mean to you, and the extra encouragement will only serve to improve your relationships! So tonight, while my best friend is at work, I made him some "Just Because's" to remind him that just because our relationship has changed, I still love him and appreciate him being in my life, very much. I hope he realizes how special of a person he is and what his potential is! But no matter if he realizes that, I know that I am doing what I can to encourage him. And I hope it will mean something and make a difference in his life. And if I can do that for everyone who I appreciate, at least from time to time, then maybe I can make a habit of following God's instructions to build others up. Yay for good habits! Besides, if I can't make time to give at least one person a "Just Because" a week, then something definitely needs to change in my life!  What do I have to lose?

Here are some verses for thought! Again, if you know of any more please share them! (and so encourage others!)

    1 Thessalonians 5:11 

11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Hebrews 10:23-25 

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

1 Peter 4:8-10

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

Galatians 6:2

2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Don't let another day go by without letting those you love know that you love them. You never know how many days you have left to tell them! 

Thank you for being a wonderful best friend, David. You teach me and help me realize so much about what is important in life.