Friends

Dear friends,
I realize now, after a good friend of mine noted it in her reply, that I write emails (and blog posts) more formally than most online writing. It is true that the web world expects different formatting of letters and messages, and I have a feeling the web also asks different content.
So, I'll act on one of these realizations today, and leave out the other two. The two I will leave out are: writing with less formality in my language and changing the content/style of my writing for a reader with less attention span and detail.
I will act, however, on the realization that relationships make life the best it can be.
Perhaps you're thinking, 'but, Ben, you seem to cherish the people in your life so much already; what do you need to learn about your friendships and love?' The main thing I have become aware of since moving to LA is that friendships are not in and of themselves permanent fixtures. Friendships require investment and thought. Secondly, friendships can never be replaced.
One of my favorite quotes (and favorite picture collages, as well) came from Lil and Bec and the famous Callum-Penso family. The frame sits above my desk at work: "Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders ever quite took her place in his heart. She was in a class by herself. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend." Recognizing the unique space in our hearts for every individual in our life is an important step... its a step in the direction of really loving everyone. And what a great goal... to love everyone (even if only proportionate to their involvement in your life).
And is love (an all-encompassing and self-effacing love) not the goal of some of the greatest thinkers in history? For Dr Martin Luther King it was. Many readers of Corinthians in the Bible must agree. Love must relate to all religions in some way. Hinduism. Buddhism. Islam. More information on this religion/love connection is out there.
As a person driven (by my father and others) to continuously strive for greater and greater things, I have been blind to the necessity to really make space for every person in my life, especially those closest to me.
This is where I will stop the post even though I know I should keep on writing for the sake of clarity (of my thought) and satisfaction (for the reader in knowing who/what I'm talking about). But the game for me involves some question-asking from you all, my friends. I hope you'll humor me and respond with your thoughts.
Have a great week.