Blessed are You, O’LORD our G_d, King of the universe, Creator of all things that You surround us with fellow sojourners that continue to help shape us and grow us.

Blessed are You, O’LORD our G_d, King of the universe, Creator of all things that You see fit to place iron in our lives to sharpen us.

I have a bunch of character flaws! I know, not really breaking news there…but I am so grateful that G_d has placed friends and family in my life that won’t allow me to remain ‘unfinished’. Don’t get me wrong I don’t have illusions that I’ll accomplish “finished” on this side of forever – but I’m surrounded by folks who won’t let me use that as an excuse to not begin the refining process.

The refining process is rarely fun (okay – never fun) but it IS good! Oftentimes we like to be the one doing the refining of others and then we miss out on the opportunity to be the refined…I’d encourage you to seek out those people around and near to you that can sharpen you. You’ll be thankful that you did.

Thanks to all of you that hold me accountable – that show me grace but not permission to continue in poor behavior – thank you to all of you who care deeply enough about me and G_d that you are willing to be about my betterment.