I'm Better Because of You

by Mama Rita

I had a wonderful conversation with a young couple(my godchild Courtney and her boyfriend Ron)that included the topic of relationships. Of course, as Courtney's godmother, I am listening to the conversation intently because the young man could one day became part of our "family." As always, I am impressed with my godchild's taste in "friends."

Courtney has always been the Village child that was mature, focused and intelligent, so it was no surprise when Ron shared with me that one of the things he liked about Courtney is the fact that she "made him want to be a better person." What did surprise me is that the statement caused me to really ponder the power relationships can wield on our lives. What a wonderful testament to Courtney's character that she had that kind of positive influence on someone.

I shared a summary of the conversation with Courtney's dad, Stan. And he said that he tries to make it a practice to be in relationships that inspire him to be better. He gave the example of his friendship with the other Village dads, Cedric, Luke and Tim, and how each of them influence him to be a better father, manager, golfer (OK I threw that one in there, but I am sure it would be on the list), Christian, etc.

Stan and I went on to discuss how important it is for all of the Village children to be intentional about developing relationships with those that will somehow influence them to be better and to also shun those individuals that may cause them to achieve less than their potential.

We have a great opportunity and responsibility: to live in such a way that we make others better and to also make sure we don't let others influence us in a manner that inhibits our ability to be and do our very best.