Oh the Profound-ness of Finals

So, I had breakfast with a dear friend of mine this morning. It was rather nice. We had just finished a final for a class we had together, and had a few hours before either of us had to do anything else. We've been friends for almost a year now, this guy and I, and it's meant quite a lot to me to have someone to chat and laugh with. He once told me it's nice to know someone who's almost as sarcastic as he is! We've had some misunderstandings, as most friendships have, and yet, we've always made it through. Well, now he has a girlfriend, (who is a pretty awesome girl, I might add). Unfortunately, for a while, it's felt as though I've simply been left behind.
Sometimes it seems like everyone around me is moving on. Many are on missions. A couple will be leaving to go on missions. A couple are getting married, and one is even having a baby! Sometimes it's rough being the youngest person in your group of friends. I'm excited to begin the Elementary Education program next semester. I think it will finally feel like I'm actually making progress toward my career. I digress.

So, this morning over breakfast, my friend and I talked a lot about goals. My friend will be taking the DAT soon and applying to dental school. He really amazes me. He knows pretty much exactly what he wants to do with his life, and more importantly, he wants to do those things for the right reasons. He has so many dreams, and they all involve his future family. There aren't too many people out there with his focus and determination. Near the end of the conversation, he said, "Life's good. It really is." and I said, "You know, you're right, life really is good!"
As we went our separate ways, him to a final, and me off to study, it occured to me that that was probably one of the last times we'd ever sit and talk like that for so long. My first instinct was to cry. Part of me felt like I was losing my dear friend completely, and that hurt. But, as I attempted to study, thoughts kept going through my mind. And I realized some important things.

First of all, what he said is really true. Life IS good. I have no reason to be sad. We've had some really fun memories. I should look back at our old pictures and smile and laugh at our antics. It's been fun. I've learned a lot of hard lessons from him, but if I had to do it again, I wouldn't change a single thing. Most importantly, I've learned to love in spite of pain, and to forgive, even if it hurts. Our friendship has been worth it all. And really, it's not ending. I'm sure I will see him, and hopefully someday in the future, we'll be exchanging graduation, wedding, and even birth announcements.

Wow! We're all growing up so fast! I'm sure we'll all keep in touch, and keep each other posted about what's going on in our lives. There will be missions, weddings, and children. When we look back, what means the most to us will be our families, and most certainly, the friends that have brightened our days, and unconciously taught us the lessons that prepared us to be the spouses and parents we will all eventually become someday.

Wow. I think I've learned and shared something profound today! I guess that's what finals will do to you!