Friends

Let me tell you a story and what friendships mean to me and why I value them so much. Some of my good friends have given me strength and support through some of the ugliest times of my life and some of the most exciting. They have kept me from feeling lonely as well as feel grounded. Which is why some of my friends are some of my most treasured possessions in my life. Now i know that sounds bad to call them possession but I cant' think of the right word but I guess I would not trade a good friend for a million dollars....am I really saying that? 

Some of the strongest, long lasting friendships are the ones who tell you the truth or shake you back to reality when nobody else will. Friends who cannot be honest with us, in my opinion are not true friends and eventually the friendship will fade. So the friends who stick with us through the thick and thin of being brutally honest, or supportive are the ones that I tend to value and consider a true friend.

Friends who leave you in difficult times, or can't handle conflict, are probably not true friends. Why? Because a strong friendship, or any strong relationship, requires commitment and  faithfulness. Basically unconditional love. Don't get me wrong; arguments, misunderstandings and distance will occur in any relationship. However, a faithful friend will keep showing up and work through whatever is impacting your life, or even your friendship.

Sadly, friendships like any relationship, can be a source of pain as much as it can be joy. Friendships make us vulnerable to betrayal and disappointment. Which of course leads to the end of the friendship, which you have to mourn. Boy have I mourned some. But you know I have to be honest. I sometimes mourn that individual when something occurs that reminds me of them and I think oh man I should call X and then you realize you haven't talked in days, months or years. Once I have that moment of sadness, I try to focus on how their friendship was probably just for a season and I have gratitude for that season.

In short I am grateful for the friendships I have or have had. Please don't be offended if there is no picture of us on this post - I just did a quick selection. 

And most important - if you are fortunate to be friends with your family members and you love spending time with them - than that it is the BEST!!!