I was speaking with a mentor the other day  and we  began speaking about friendship. She told me that a while back someone had told her that you really only need three friends … a Paul, Silas, and Timothy. She continued to explain Paul, is this idealistic person who you strive to be like, and keeps you in check with your actions. Silas, is the person who keeps you in your daily check … tells you when you’re messing up and is just there no matter what. Timothy, is like the younger generation where it is your job to help him grow and learn to do the right thing. During this encounter I thought, “ya know this is kinda how the family school is set up. Your first “6 months” are meant for setting your goals, and getting worked on by others. The next 6 are meant for self evaluation and keeping yourself in check with your goals. The last 6 are all about giving away. So I was looking at my life and thought, I think I have a couple Pauls. My dad and my grandfather are two people who I always check my thinking, and strive to be like. My friend D is my Silas, we keep each other in check and are there through thick and thin. However… I am missing a Timothy. I would say that this is possibly the most important part of the three. Over the course of my life I have learned so much. However if I am not giving it back it doesn’t seem as useful. I dont need to go out and seek a friend, but rather give away and I believe a friendship will grow.  Perhaps I am wrong, but I thought this a good model to share with you folks and wondered your thoughts on it.

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