Friends

2 Nephi 1:13

"O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe."

Today was the first time in a while I had gotten to spend with Stephen, Craig and Brock (since my new sleeping schedule went into effect, which I've been mostly good about adhering to).  It was really fun to get to spend some quality time with them, hopefully that will be less of a random thing, and more frequent in the coming weeks and months.  I really appreciate friends that last through the years, people that understand that even if people change, they are still worth someone's attention and kinship.

Although, I find it interesting that those who you are closest to, are often less influenced by you than others may be, because they've seen the many phases of your life and have your entire life-story to take into account when you tell them something "new" about you, or anything at all really.  That testifies to me now more than ever the importance of always standing for what you know is right and true in the face of adversity, especially if that adversity is coming from your best friends.  But that hardly means that it's too late to influence those who you care about the most.  As the cliche goes, it's better late than never - so long as you are unwavering in your conviction and testimony.  

And honestly, isn't that what the gospel of Christ is all about?  The ability to undergo a "mighty change of heart"?  So maybe, just maybe your friends seeing the "old you" and the "new you" could be the best thing in the long run, because they get to witness the change in you first hand, and truly see how happy it can make you.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."