Five years ago, I decided to run for president of my high school class. The votes were cast and I was overjoyed to represent my class in the changing of our tassels on graduation day. My college years then passed rapidly in a flurry of busy class schedules, clubs, activities, social events, and sorority life. I was soon a college graduate with a very focused mission during my first year in the real world: be the most amazing teacher for my students that I possibly could be. As the school year began, I threw myself into this endeavor heart and soul embracing life in a new city with arms open wide to the possibilities. One day a few months ago, I received a text message from an old classmate inquiring if we would be having a five year reunion. I honestly had not given it much thought but was willing to look further to see if other individuals had an equal interest. After looking for feedback from my high school peers on facebook, I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people not only acted as if they would attend but would honestly enjoy reconnecting and catching up with one another. It was so encouraging to see that, although our lives may have already taken us in differing paths in only a short time, the ties we shared from our childhood and youth in a small town were still meaningful. As plans are coming together for this reunion, I am appreciative of the enthusiasm of so many of my friends and classmates who I grew up with.
As I think about this further, I realize that my appreciation for this is most likely rooted in the importance I place upon building and maintaining relationships in my life. Keeping in touch with loved ones and close friends is something I try to do on a steady basis. At this point in my life, so many important people in my life are living in cities in towns spread throughout the country and may be at totally different stages of life as high school or college students, newlyweds, new parents, or older adults. I'll admit that it can be an overwhelming and daunting task to keep in touch with everyone; it's only human nature that some friendships will last for a season and taper off into a fond memory. Nonetheless, I strive to show many of these individuals that no matter where we are, they are still important to me and that I still care about their lives.
It's funny how we make a million excuses for why we haven't taken the time to get in touch. "I'm too busy!" "I was going to call, but I just forgot!" "We haven't talked in so long." I'm guilty of these same excuses. Even though they may ring true, I believe that the ties of family and friends should reach beyond. The times that I have been able to correspond via phone, computer, or mail with a friend, it has touched me in such a positive way. For example, one of my friends is currently obtaining her master's in Arizona, but we consciously build time into our schedules for phone chats and skype dates. Even from across the country, the wonderful world of technology lets two best friends feel like they are hanging out like usual. Even if I don't have time for a lengthy conversation, I try to remember that I always have a few extra minutes to send an email, message, or card to a friend.
What joy the diverse relationships in our lives can bring to us. Go out on a limb today. Pick up the phone, log onto the computer, or pick up a pen and send a little note to someone who has or still does mean a lot to you. I guarantee it will be a highlight in their day and what better way to experience happiness ourselves than to put an extra ray of sunshine in the lives of others. Reconnect and enjoy!
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