It's been an interesting aspect of my (slow) maturing process
that I've found myself growing more and more inclined to spend
time and invest in relationships with people who are significantly
different from me, as opposed to seeking out people who are as
like me as possible. Thinking about this (I'm more an idealist
than a realist, but more an analyst than either), I realized that
earlier, especially in my teens, I had this feeling that I needed to
be with people who were very similar to me in order to reaffirm
my own identity. I wasn't comfortable enough being who *I* was,
with my particular gifts and perspectives, on my own... I needed
friends to reinforce and share in my particular qualities.

As I get older, I'm becoming more and more confident in who I
am, and what kinds of roles I'm gifted to play-- in work, in
friendships, in service. Going along with that is the need to be
close to people who are very different from me, who have gifts
that I lack and who need gifts that I have. It's still a strange
thing, seeing myself as one unique and indispensable member
of a complex group, each person having their own gifts and
their own function. The body has many members... it's exciting.

Essential to making this kind of dynamic work, though, is
appreciation and respect among the members. I'm very blessed
to have friends who are quick to recognize the differences
between us, and delight in them. In contrast, a group where
each member is unable to appreciate the value and beauty of the
others' roles leaves everybody feeling frustrated, isolated, and
desiring to be surrounded by more like-minded people.

This is really mostly rambling... I of course have no idea what
your situation is like, Ciaran, so don't think I'm trying to say
anything specific about it. It's just thoughts I had that your and
Sam's posts triggered.

And I'm with you on working for Google. After I get my law
degree, I doubt I'll work for any corporation, but if I did, Google
would be at the top of my list.

Lire"and when they square off against Wal-Mart and Starbucks
for ultimate world domination, I'm with them all the way"lyn