It’s hard to hold back judgment sometimes, despite how hard we try, or wish we would.  And while it’s easy to validate why it might be fair to impose our thoughts on someone else’s appearance, intellect, career choice, religion or political affiliation, it is rarely kind and it’s never just. However, years ago I heard this quote; “If you are going to judge someone, judge them by the quality of company they keep”. I couldn’t agree more with these wise words. Recent happenings have led me to reflect on the company I keep.

One consistency in my 28 years of life is the high caliber of girls/ladies/women that I continue to surround myself with. I’m not sure it’s any impressive doing of my own; however I’ll graciously accept the blessing of the highest quality company. I attribute much of my successes to them. Having a group of friends who hold you accountable to the person you want to be, who remind you where you’ve been and accept you for exactly who you are, makes each day a little easier and more meaningful. When I speak about the friends in my life, I hope that my love for them and how proud I am of them is conveyed. Each lady serves a purpose to building and maintaining my character—here are the first things that come to mind: “A” grounds me, “B” challenges me to push myself, “C” helps me keep an open mind, “D” reminds me to not take things too seriously, “E” allows me to be comfortable in my own skin, “F” shows me the value in career growth, “G” proves fierce loyalty is not to be taken lightly and thankfully, I could continue on through the alphabet with ways the girlfriends in my life contribute to both my happiness and self-growth.

If those who judge me do so by the quality of company I keep, I have nothing to be fearful of. Though not perfect, we are a cumulative whole with the best of intentions and kindness. If this sounds like bragging about my friends, then yes, I brag. I can only hope that everyone has this same circle of wonderful to rely on.

What kind of company do you keep?

I greatly appreciate when I hear something that strikes me and lingers for hours, days, and weeks afterward. Recently, the Today Show, which is shamelessly my primary source of news, featured a story on a young boy who had a near-death experience and said he spent time in Heaven. The book is called Heaven is Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, by Todd Burpo.

Though I already held a fierce belief in Heaven, I was enamored by his story when I heard him say that in Heaven there are colors that we cannot imagine nor see while we are on Earth. Could that be true? I keep trying to imagine such colors, but everything I put together—mixing red and blue, yellow and green…it’s all been done. It has led me to wonder what else Heaven holds that I cannot fathom. I am now looking forward to Heaven even more—I didn’t know that was possible, it already holds Meredith, my grandma and other dear loved ones lost. Colton, the young boy, also tells the story of meeting his sister-who his mother had miscarried and whom he had never been told about. Do those who leave the earth too soon continue to age and develop their personality and character in Heaven so we can know who God intended them to be? I don’t know—but I am looking forward to finding out.

It has also let me led to think about what else Heaven holds that I cannot dream of or imagine…may we all find out someday.