Cherish

Cherishing someone. What does the word "cherish" even mean? The dictionary says it means to "protect and care for something lovingly" or another definition is "to hold something dear". So what do I cherish? The first think I think of is my religion. It's something that has grown inside of me the past few years. I didn't always feel that way about the church. I didn't feel negatively, I was just indifferent. But then I saw people I love falling away. Some of my best friends decided that it "just wasn't true", and one of my sisters decided that maybe the church was a little sexist, and she didn't like the culture, so she left too. That's when I realized that I had to make a choice. I could go one way. I could spend Sunday afternoons bowling, or I could spend Sunday afternoons at church. I chose the latter. I'm so glad I did! That last sentence doesn't even begin to describe it. I love this church and what it has done for me and what it has given me. I've never regretted it. I never want to lose it and I will always defend it.  Does that count as cherishing it? 

I have those same feelings toward my family. I would be lost without them, and their love and support means everything for me. When I say family, I don't just mean the people who I am related to through blood. I'm talking about the people who I have become so close with, that it feels like they are apart of me. Showing people you cherish them is so important. Sometimes that means being uncomfortable and vulnerable. Those uncomfortable, vulnerable moments are the moments that make our relationships grow and get stronger. In turn you cherish those people. Isn't it interesting that relationships grow in the discomfort of showing your heart? What could show someone you cherish them more than that? I guess the point is this: If you want someone to know you care about them, open up to them, and let them open up to you. Vulnerability is everything.