Lessons from an inanimate object

When we are young we are taught by our parents we should be nice to every person, place or thing. They may be different from us but they are the way they are. It isn't worth trying to change those that don't want or don't need to be changed. We are taught that one's true beauty lies beneath the surface despite the immediate attractiveness or lack thereof. One which requires a true meaning of the word acceptance to fully see. A true friend will not only open your eyes to their beauty but in return their friendship will teach you the lessons of acceptance. The lessons of appreciating the beauty of people and things you previously may have thought didn't deserve your acceptance and understanding.

In the past four months, I have developed a new friendship. One that over the past twelve years I would have previously crossed the metaphoric street just so I wouldn't have to speak to or about the idea of spending any amount of time with this person. Only on the worst of rainy days, when no one else wanted to come out to play would I give this person an opportunity.

His name, Kurt.

Four months ago, I would hem and haw about the thought of working out with Kurt. It didn't take long however, for me to gain the trust in Kurt for what he was doing for me. He has tirelessly spun to help prepare me for my goals of this upcoming season. He hasn't asked for anything in return and doesn't complain when I drip hours of corrosive (to both metal and your nose) sweat on him. Like a dog who wants to run, he thrives on a little bit of my time and attention. As I prepare for the longest ride of my training block before heading to Texas in a few weeks, I find myself looking forward to spending another long night watching documentary after documentary once again with him.

Alice Walker once said, "No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow." Through my acceptance of him, he has never asked me to be quiet despite his intent to make the choose to continue throughout the night harder rather than easier. I no longer see the "evil" that others swear he possesses. I see the inner beauty of which he is comprised and that he spreads onto others. I take away from his friendship, a mind which is even more open than before. A mind that tries to understand rather than judge. For this, I am indebted and incredibly thankful for.