The choice...

?Growing up there was nothing better than spending a summer day ripping and running playing with friends. Man, oh man, I tell you if I could just go back for an hour or two and relive some of those times, some of the best times I ever had…I would do it in a heartbeat. 

Those were the days; the sweetest days and I can recall the routine to the smallest detail. I’d wake up, wash up, eat a bowl of cereal and then off I went…but I wouldn’t be gone for long. 

I’d run back in to get my soldiers…then run back out with an armful, ready for war! I’d run back in to get my cap gun…then run back out to shoot! Next, I’d run back in to get some type of ball…then run back out bouncing it on the floor! I’d run back in to get something to drink…waste half of it on my shirt…then run back out burping, looking for more fun!

Now, around this time my mother would turn from whatever she was doing, give me that look and say, “In or out”? Now, when she said that…there were no negotiations to be had, no promise that I will only do it a few more times, no excuses given and if you knew her, none were ever going to be accepted. It was in…or out…

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In or out? The question was posed to most of us when we were younger, and you know what…it still applies. There are people who will stay in your life when things are good…but walk out when things begin to turn sour. 

Then once that storm passes, once the Sun begins to shine again…they’re ready to come back in. Those aren’t the ones you want…those aren’t the ones you deserve or deserve you.

The next time your life turns dark…watch the people around you; take note of who walks out…and who stays in. The ones who walked out…they’re the ones who never really mattered.

Those beautiful people who stayed in…cherish and adore them because they’re the ones who help make life worth living…