Out With the Old, In With the New

We have so many people come and go in our lives. Surprisingly, it's not only the well loved, friendly, even-tempered, revered, fun, and like-minded who we miss the most, but so often we miss those who lack those virtuous and positive traits associated with friendship. When a person has impacted our lives, we can be affectionately reminiscent of those who were quarrelsome, hot tempered, selfish, abusive, and problem creators.

A great role model for any of us is that of the prodigal son's father. Though his son had distanced himself with every vice and obstacle possible, the father was ready to forgive and forget... and welcome the wayward stranger back with open arms! He could see that an authentic, genuine change had occurred and that he was welcoming a person ready to be revised, revamped, and improved. We too should not force a person to be what they once were, but be willing to accept them for what they have overcome.