You are who you hang out with

Have you ever heard the saying, "You are who you hang out with?" Often we hear this from a motivational speaker when talking about reaching your goals and finding mentors in life who possess qualities that you want for yourself. For example, if you are training for a marathon and all of your friends are professional couch potatoes, those friends probably aren't going to inspire you in your training as much as another running enthusiast might. In this example it would do you good to find a running club to become part of and to get that support.

This can be applied to many areas of life. This week I was reminded once again of 2 people I look up to greatly. I have always admired their relationship and their passion for family. In junior high school, I had an assignment where I was to write about a real-life experience using detailed descriptions of the scene to portray an emotion. I chose LOVE, and in an instant I knew I would write about my Grandma & Grandpa Steffl.

In my story, I recalled just one of hundreds of family celebrations where about 50 of my aunts, uncles, and cousins would congregate--that's what happens when you have 12 kids. :) It included the descriptions of the wonderful aromas of food baking in the oven, the chatter and laughter from every corner of the house and the inevitable round of hugs to every single person in the house as you enter and exit. Stepping foot into the house you could sense the love within the walls--not just for each other or for their kids, grand kids, and now great-grand kids but in everything they did.

Since doing that assignment years ago, I have always desired to be as loving as my Grandparents and also to have a relationship like their that has stood the test of time. Unfortunately, failing health led to a trip to the ICU this week. Sitting in the room with my Grandparents, you can see they're still in love many years later. Seeing them holding hands and Grandpa winking at Grandma brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. Living a life full of love is a life worth living.

I feel so blessed to have 2 great role models as my Grandparents. And what's even better is to see that love and those traditions being passed down the generations.

So...the moral of the story...figure out those qualities you're striving for or maybe it's something you want to do, then find a mentor who can help show you the way!