Friends will let you down

Sometimes people let us down. It's funny because I've always been one to put a lot of faith in people. I always look for the best in them. I WANT to see the good in everyone. Unfortunately, that means that I find myself feeling let down a lot. I once heard it said that if you have no expectations, you can never be disappointed. I guess that would be true, but what a sad life to live if it means living it without expectations! I expect good from people. I expect people to treat me like I would go out of my way to treat them. Maybe that's silly and naive of me, but that's me!

Sometimes I feel as though I am the only person contributing to my friendships.... like sometimes I wonder if I would have any friends at all if *I* didn't call and arrange to get together. Do I feel like I have to see my friends in order to maintain a friendship? YES... can you maintain a relationship with your spouse if you never see them... or with God if you never spend time with Him? NOPE, you cannot maintain meaningful relationships with people if you never invest in them. 

So, again, I put myself out there, then when someone lets me down, I get bummed. Silly? Maybe, but oh well- keeping it real here.... sorry if this sounds depressing.... just trying to get my thoughts out of my head tonight.

The stinky part is keeping my reaction to disappointment at bay in front of my kids. I want them to understand that disappointment happens and that people will let you down without saying to them:
LIFE SUCKS SOMETIMES!!! 

Recently, I made plans with a friend that I hadn't seen in a long time. When the plans fell through (she made other plans at the same time and chose that plan instead), I wanted to sit there and cry while feeling sorry for myself; however, my kids were right there with me when I found out that our plans weren't going to work out. I had to suck it up and tell them I was bummed, but we would go have fun anyways! And we did. And the good that came from this- my friend got to spend good, quality time with her extended family, AND I got to enjoy good, quality time with my kids!

The following week, one of my kids was promised a play date with a friend, but when it came time to DO the play date, the friend's parent never answered the phone/text. Meanwhile, my child kept asking me, "Why aren't they answering? When can I go over there?"  

How do I answer that? 

Another child has been DYING to talk to his buddy on the phone all summer long...literally. I have asked the other parent if that would be okay countless times. Each time, she'd reply with "Sure, on this day we'll call..." but then she'd never call. Meanwhile, my child repeatedly asks, "When can I talk to my friend? Why hasn't he called yet?" 

How do I answer that? 

I have tried using these as teaching moments. Not only does disappointment come, but we can avoid letting other people down by being people of our word. When we say we will do something, we should make every effort to do it. I want them to know that sometimes life does suck, and sometimes people are stupid and hurt our feelings, but like the picture above says, sometimes people are awesome!

Some people in our lives can make us feel amazing. Some people are always there when you need them, BUT they also go out of their way to seek you out as well. Some people can be counted on no matter what! I want my kids to expect the best- even if that means getting hurt along the way. I don't want them to ever focus on the occasional hurt and disappointment, rather I want them to focus on the good in every individual.

"People will also lift you up, save you, love you, embrace you, teach you, and guide you!"

 

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Most importantly, one that will NEVER let you down is God! I am so glad He is in my life. His word says that He will never leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). He will never let me down! I don't have to focus on the hurt caused by people because if God be for me, who can be against me (Romans 8:31)?!?