#56- know who your friends are

I have been thinking alot about this one. I think that friendship is one of the most important things we as human beings need. It gives our lives joy, and meaning. Our friends, at least in my experience, give us insight into who we are and what we can become. At least true friends do this. I know that I have had friends, and still have friends who have taught me the goodness that I am capable of, and what a good influence I can be. I think if we could fulfill the goal of knowing who our friends are, we only need to ponder how the people we consider friends in our lives make us feel. True friends don't make us feel we have to prove anything, or change who we are. No, true friends help us to truly be ourselves, and help us feel like we belong regardless of our weaknesses and shortcomings.

This being a blog run by a group of dear friends, I think it would be apropos to talk about all the "weasels" (excluding myself since I'm writing this). First off there is Josh Thompson. Josh and I have often been mistaken for brothers. We are quite a bit alike. We have similar personalities, similar senses of humor, and similar appearances. I think the only big differences we have are our political views, but we still are dear friends nonetheless. Josh has always been one to plan and organize the fun stuff we all do. He has planned two trips to Flaming Gorge, several parties, and countless other things that have helped make life more fun. I think that if it wasn't for Josh, and his leadership skills, our group of friends may not be as unified as we are.

Robert Kitteridge has been my roommate since I moved up to Logan. I consider Robert one of the kindest, most considerate people I have ever met. I have never heard Robert gossip or complain about anyone. He serves others so selflessly. Robert is also a very cheerful person, and is always there for us whenever we are having a bad day. Anyone who has Robert for a friend knows that they are friends with someone who is true and sincere to their very being.

JJ Miller and I both share a deep passion for fly fishing. I can't tell you how great it feels to have someone who wants to go explore fishing holes, and discover new spots with bigger and better fish. JJ always cheers me up. He reminds me of a teddy bear, which I mean in a totally non gay way. He is just such a lovable guy. I was in doubt if JJ would be my roommate this summer, but when I found out he was, I couldn't get over how excited I was.

Jason Jacobsen has always been willing to share with others. He is always cooking some scrumptious treat. Jason is a bit quiet, so I am still getting to know him. I do know that he has been a great roommate and friend in our group, who is patient with us and is a great giver.

I wish I could say more. I feel that what I wrote is inadequate to express how beatiful and holy my life has been up here in Logan because of the contributions of my friends. I can't get over how much meaning friends put into our lives. I think one of the most difficult things in life is when we have to leave the good times and good friends we made as our life changes. I know I miss friends from high school, snow college, and the mission. But one thing I've learned is that God will always bless us with more friends in each chapter of our lives. I will be in Logan for a while longer, but I do know that when my friends and I part ways up here, it may be one of the most difficult things of my life. I do know though that the friends I've made up here, be it my roommates, the girls next door, old roommates, church friends, friends in my social work program, and everyone else are in my mind eternal friends, who mean so very much to me!