Getting to know you...

I've always had secret dreams of going somewhere and just living there for the rest of my life, getting old with the same people, getting to know them well, and having friendships that last the years.

But the way things have worked out for me, I just don't think that will ever happen. Instead, I have the privilege of stopping for periods here and there, getting to know new friends, and then saying goodbye, to move on to another group of people.

Both situations have their benefits and drawbacks. If you were born, grew up and died in the same community, you might have wonderful, lifelong friendships and loyalties, but you might not have room in your life for new people. Horizons could become smaller than they need to be.

If, like me, you have moved on and on and on, you miss out on the comfortableness of having old friends around you, and you often feel like you don't really belong anywhere. Even though friendships can last across distances, it can take a lot more work to keep them up, and the proximity effect is lessened.

However, the benefits are certainly the privilege of moving between exciting and wonderful groups of people, learning something from each group and bringing it to the next group. It makes for a more challenging experience and broader outlook.