Where Are You?

I had a rather cool experience today that made me reflect on a principle that I learned some years ago. I ran into an old friend whom I haven't seen in quite a while, and we immediately started catching up on each other's lives. As he recounted the recent developments in his life, I was surprised by the level of excitement, anticipation, and genuine thankfulness toward God that he displayed. It reminded me all over again why I had chosen to be around him and to have him as friend. His influence helped me to rise higher than I might have on my own.

I once read a book that concerned just those sort of relationships. It was entitled "Surround Yourself With Greatness." The idea is that we rise - or sink - largely to the level of our surroundings. While individual moral strength is taken into account, it is nonetheless a fact that the environment to which we choose to subject ourselves is a major force in the development of our character. It is either a catalyst toward growth or a sinkhole toward disaster. I have personally found this to be true in several instances, for both good and ill.

So my question today to you is thus: Where are you? What are your surroundings? Who have you let into your life, and are you better for it?
We have the power to control the surroundings of our lives. While we cannot dictate everything, it remains in our ability to purposefully select the people we most want to be influenced by - for like it or not, we are influenced by them. As we select good friends that model our desired attributes, we will find our lives to be far more enjoyable and fulling, and we will achieve the greatness that we seek.

Carpe Diem.