needs

As humans we have needs, actually we have a lot of needs. Sometimes it is easier than others to express those needs to others.  Some people have more needs, some less.  And while we have some of the same needs, as individuals we have different needs as well.

Recently I expressed what was in my heart....it went from some of what I've been through (in order to show why I might be the way I am), then to where I was to where I am.  I expressed my needs.  I listed a lot of things, I know I did.

I think that it is unrealistic for me, or anyone else, to expect that all of their needs will be met, and especially from any one person.  I think that's why God places to many people in our lives....because they each meet different needs that we have and they fill different areas in our lives and we are complete because of that.

It's not ever easy for me to say specifically to any one person 'I need this'....but it's easier for me to hide behind my words, in a sense, and be general in what I say.  I think that most people know where they fall in your life, they know the parts that they fulfill and the roles that they play.  They know what they are willing to do in the name of friendship (or not)....and then it's either enough or not.  It's a give and take between two people....something that is played out over and over between people.

I'm not perfect....and I want a lot out of life, I want a lot out of my relationships (whatever they are)....and I'm incredibly thankful for those that care enough to meet the needs that they are willing to meet.  I promise that I am a good friend, that I care, I love and I would do anything for my friends and it has nothing to do with my needs being met.  It's easy for me to forgive and move on.  Sometimes things hurt, but that's life.  What's important is what you do and how you deal with it.  I have changed in this area....grown, I like to think.

Please don't let my list of needs turn you off.  I think that my real, true friends understand me and get me.  They understand what I was saying there and no matter what they are there for me.....and it has nothing to do with what I want and/or what I need.  It has to do with true friendship, with two people that care and love each other.  I'm so thankful for my friends...and those that aren't really are just missing out.  I think it doesn't matter to them.

Want to be my friend in any manner?  Awesome.  Think you can meet one need or five or ten?  Wonderful, let's do it.  Can't meet any, let's be friends anyway and I'll try to deal with that.  Give me a chance to show you that despite the honest, blunt and heart-felt words I share on my blog/notes that I can be a terrific friend.

On the other hand, don't want to be my friend?  Feel like I'm a horrible person and what I'm saying is just the worst?  Honestly, it's ok!!  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and just like I have mine, so do others.  I only ask that those that feel differently keep their comments to themselves instead of posting the kinds of comments that my stalker posted earlier this year and this "Lisa" posted last night.  I don't deserve them and I finally know it.  I'm a good person, even though I'm not perfect.  There is no perfect person, period.  Only Jesus was perfect and He walked the earth so many years ago.  But He does guide and lead me.  I get it wrong....but you know what....I pick myself up and I dust myself off and I try again.  That's all we can do.  God's mercies are new every day, thank God.  He forgives in an instant....and so do I.

So back to needs.....understand that every single person in your life, no matter their role, has needs.  Some you can fulfill and some you can't.  Do what you can, talk to your friend and explain if you can't and I'd bet they will understand.....and be so thankful for what you want/can do.  YOU are amazing.  I love you all.

And......thank you for loving me, thank you for encouraging me, and thank you for caring enough to meet at least some of my needs.  That's truly what friendship is all about.  I'm blessed....and I never want to take you for granted.  If I do that, please forgive me....and love me anyway.  While I have needs.....the desire to be love is even stronger.