Wednesday, April 28, 2010
True Friendship
True friendship is a gift. It means having someone who accepts you as you are, but who loves you enough to challenge you to grow. A dear friend listens when you are steeped in despair without judging you or trying to change your mind about how you feel. She empathizes with gentleness while encouraging you towards a more hopeful perspective. She loves you even when you are without make-up, your clothes don't match, and you are still wearing your slippers at 10AM.
In return, you are there for her when she needs your hug and your tender words of kindness. When her marriage takes on new challenges, you listen to her story. You accept her differences and you value her strengths. One of you collects fruit trees. The other collects European tea cups. Your political views may differ. Your parenting styles may vary as well. But together you dream for bigger things. Together, you create a beautiful story.
Life's blessings and disappointments oscillate over time. One's parent is sick while the other's is healthy. Her child struggles through a particular season while your son is doing fine. She has a physical health challenge while you battle with various emotional issues. But, throughout the changing tides, you carry each other's burdens and you celebrate the good times as well. You're there to applaud her upcoming art exhibit and she celebrates your new book contract.
Over the years, you see that friendship is not a competition; rather, true friendship is a waltz. The two of you dance through life's stages in unison, though sometimes awkwardly. At times, you're not sure how to be the best friend. At other times, it flows so effortlessly. Being real. Being loving. Being vulnerable. These attributes allow the roots of friendship to grow deeper. It takes time and patience, but over the years, the investment of a genuine friendship reaps a harvest of healthy fruit.
Share about a true friendship in your life. What traits are most important to you? We'd love to hear from you.
In return, you are there for her when she needs your hug and your tender words of kindness. When her marriage takes on new challenges, you listen to her story. You accept her differences and you value her strengths. One of you collects fruit trees. The other collects European tea cups. Your political views may differ. Your parenting styles may vary as well. But together you dream for bigger things. Together, you create a beautiful story.
Life's blessings and disappointments oscillate over time. One's parent is sick while the other's is healthy. Her child struggles through a particular season while your son is doing fine. She has a physical health challenge while you battle with various emotional issues. But, throughout the changing tides, you carry each other's burdens and you celebrate the good times as well. You're there to applaud her upcoming art exhibit and she celebrates your new book contract.
Over the years, you see that friendship is not a competition; rather, true friendship is a waltz. The two of you dance through life's stages in unison, though sometimes awkwardly. At times, you're not sure how to be the best friend. At other times, it flows so effortlessly. Being real. Being loving. Being vulnerable. These attributes allow the roots of friendship to grow deeper. It takes time and patience, but over the years, the investment of a genuine friendship reaps a harvest of healthy fruit.
Share about a true friendship in your life. What traits are most important to you? We'd love to hear from you.
Labels: family, friendship, love, pain
