Friends

Become wise by walking with the wise;
    hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.

Proverbs 13:20

When I was younger, I usually found myself hanging out with the crowd my parents told me to stay away from.  Why?  Because they accepted me and it was easy.  However, because of those friends, I found myself in trouble more than I care to admit.  I will say most of the trouble was due to "guilt by association" while some of it was my own direct involvement.  I found myself complaining all the time about everything. Why? Because my friends did.  I found myself thinking we were outcasts. Why? Because my friends did.  I began thinking my school work was a waste of time. Why? My friends did too.

As I grew older, and somewhat wiser, I learned the valuable lesson that we become who we hang around with.  When I got to Carson-Newman, the classes were fairly small and friendships were easier to make, and I soon found myself involved with friends who had similar passions and interests as I did.  We spent time together inspiring each other and the expectation was that we would grow!  Some of the best times I had in college were spent in a coffee shop with my friends and we ran lines for the next production we were to perform.  Sounds like I was a nerdy geek, and I still am to a point.

Be careful with whom you hang out, for you will become like them!