People

Alright, confession time. When people do strange things and others say, "Well, it takes all kinds," I have a saying that goes, "No. It doesn't take all kinds, we just have all kinds." That's not to belittle or discount anyone, everyone has value and is important. I'm just saying that we don't NEED people doing all kinds of weirdness and evil - it's just that we HAVE people doing all kinds of weirdness and evil.

I have not doubt that we are influenced by those we spend our time with. Now, I am a FIRM believer that we are each, individually responsible for everything we do - don't try to blame it on your acquaintances. However, the more we hang around with people, the more we tend to think and behave like them. We have to watch whom we hang out with.

Today's word is just a thought to remind us that we choose who we spend time with, and we should choose wisely. It says, "You cannot change the people around you, but you can change the people that you choose to be around."

Those people that choose to do weird and evil things, you are probably never going to change. You can hang out with them, you can do things with them, you can try to influence them, but, more than likely, you'll begin to see yourself moving more in their direction than vice versa. Once again, not saying that it isn't worth trying to change folks; just saying that if they don't start changing quickly, don't allow them to bring you to their level.

The flip side of that is that while you may not be able to change those people around you, you can choose to hang out with different people. You see, that choice is yours, and it goes back to the fact that we are each, individually responsible. If you find that the people you are around are bringing you down instead of lifting and building you up, choose to be around different people. You might be surprised at the difference it makes.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T