FRIEND! What's in a friend? Webster's describes a friend as one attached to another by affection or esteem, an acquaintance, one that is not hostile; one that is of the same nation, party, or group; one that favors or promotes something (as a charity); a favored companion. If you ask me all of those are very vague in telling what a friend is. Here's a few descriptions that I believe describes a friend...
"For holding a hand in need,
raining happiness,
inculcating the gospel of love,
ending solitude,
negotiating problems,
dabbing tearful eyes a friend is there."
"Friend derives from a word meaning "free."
A friend is someone who allows us the space and freedom to be."
"A friend is someone who reaches for your hand,
but touches your heart."
"A reassuring presence, a LIGHT when times are dark,
A hand reaching out is what friendship is about."
Being a friend to others may seem simple at times, but making friends is not always simple. Making friends can be very difficult and very scary. Especially when all throughout your life you've been constantly hurt and disappointed for various reason by people who you thought were your friends. Making friends should be simple though. I mean how hard can it be to introduce yourself to a person and than proceed to get to know that person. It's more difficult than you might think. It can be absolutely terrifying. This year I am challenging myself to make a conscious effort to meet new people and not be scared to get to know them. Each relationship we have, God gives us for a reason, and a purpose. However, if you don't make the effort to get to know that person you may never know what that reason and purpose is.
"Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father,
and do not go to brother's house when disaster strikes you -
better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away."
Proverbs 27:10
"Truth is the strongest bond that exists between two people,
if you lie or break a promise then you have broken that bond,
which only time can heal."
"Friends aren't jumper cables,
you don't throw them in the trunk
and pull them out for emergencies."
"True friends not only protect you from others
when something goes bad, but from yourself
when you try to take blame."
"Friends are like walls.
Sometimes you lean on them
and sometimes it is just enough
to know they are there.
"With friendship it doesn't matter
how many fights you've gotten into
or how long you've known each other.
What matters is who said 'I'll be there for you
always', and PROVED it."
Every person God gives us the blessing of being a friend with is a part of our life for a reason even if that reason is only for a season. There are also those very very FEW and RARE friends who you are completely thankful and completely blessed to have them because you know they will ALWAYS be a part of your life. Those who would be there at 4:00 A.M. Those who would pay an arm and a leg for a plane ticket just to visit you wherever your career might be. Those friends who will let you rant and understand that at that moment all they need to do is listen.
Friendship is something that should be treasured and taken seriously. It is not to be taken lightly for any reason. Every person has a story, and whether or not you know the story of their past does not give you a reason to treat them any less than how you would want them to treat you. It in no way gives you any reason to judge them for how they live in the present simply because you know nothing about their past. One day every single one of us will be judged. And some will be punished for their judgmental thoughts and actions. Take the time to look somebody straight in the eye and see if you can see the pain they feel every day.
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