You reap what you sow!

For years, all that mattered to me was to be successful. I didn't care what I had to do or who's toes I stepped on. As long as I got ahead it was fine with me.

It didn't matter, nor did I care that I had no friends. I liked being a loner anyway. Besides, a super car, a fancy house, exquisite clothes and flashy jewelry were far more important to me. They were my friends, my salvation.

Then came hard times and all my earthly possessions disappeared at the blink of an eye. My friends who I once pushed away now turned their backs on me. I found myself lost and alone.

Virtually overnight I realized the value of friendship. I learned that no material thing, no matter how valuable can take the place of or replace a true friend. I learned, the hard way, that real friendships are the rarest jewels of all and must be treasured and guarded at all times.

Since then I've gotten myself back on track. I am gratefully enjoying a rich life. But I am richer still because of the friends I hold near and dear. I realize now that all the earthly possessions in the world are like dust in the wind: here today, gone tomorrow. True friends however, are for a lifetime.

Today, I don't focus on acquiring things anymore. Yes, I work hard and I do enjoy a few luxuries. They aren't however my greatest devotion anymore. My friends now take up the #1 spot in my heart, together with my loved ones.

Today, I smile a lot more than I used to. I enjoy life a lot more than I used to. I am happier than I ever was. And I owe it all to my friends and my family.

Today, I don't hesitate to take care of my friends. I let them know how much I appreciate them and how much I treasure their friendships. My friends can count on me and I on them.

Somewhere I once read:

"Success isn't measured by material goods
but by the real friends you have!"

How true, how very true!