sometimes i trick myself into forgetting how amazing my friends are.
probably one of my greatest strengths and weaknesses relationally is a tendency to place high expectations on my friends. i firmly believe that those who love you the most will urge you toward a higher standard and respect you enough to expect great things from you. the danger here lies in managing the inevitable conflict that arises when friends (who, in case you didn't know, are human!) disappoint you.
such has been the case in my life lately. and as a bona-fide ENFJ (emphasis on J for Judging), i can get pretty down about this...to the point where i was somewhat despairing this week that a) i will never figure out how to love people through conflict and b) certain people who are very near and dear to my heart are never going grow up and desire accountability.
oh the lies, and the sneaky Liar who wants us to believe them!
i have been proven wrong on both counts. i'll not relish the details here, but i have had a series of truly redeeming conversations with said friends in just the past few hours. i am so blessed to be learning how conflict really does breed intimacy. and that together, my sweet little community of friends is slowly sharpening one another.
thank god for community.
