will you be my friend?

This question transcends age, culture, life situation, career status - you name it. No matter where I am, how awesome I think I've become (please note the tongue in cheek tone), what I really want is to feel accepted and included.

Liz Lemon may think that all everyone wants is to eat a sandwich in peace, I think that all everyone wants is to have a friend or group of friends that sees him/her, knows him/her, and still wants to be around him/her.

Rejection stinks. I mean, really stinks. Feeling it or even thinking about feeling it makes me feel like that lost puppy...wandering in the streets...in the rain...with a limp. Get the picture?

I'm not quite sure what to do with those feelings, but I've resolved that they are universally felt. They come in varying degrees for people, but the desire to be accepted is most certainly a common denominator of humanity.

I think I've gotten to a point in life where the dust of adolescent angst is beginning to settle. I feel comfortable in my skin 92.81% of the time. I have friends who see me, know me, and still want to be around me. These are blessings I hope I never take for granted. And those moments where I feel rejected or left out? Well, I think that's part of being human.

Thank you, Jesus, for accepting me. Unconditionally and without strings attached.