Friendship
“Oh, the comfort…of feeling safe with a person---having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keeping what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.”
“What sweetness remains in life if you take away friendship? Depriving life of friendship is like depriving the world of the sun. Friendship is the only thing in the world whose usefulness all humankind are agreed upon.”
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Rome
Friendship is the heart of life. A true friend can make life not only worth living, but worth celebrating. In friendship---unlike any other human relationship---nothing is hidden. It’s okay to be out of sorts, angry or dispirited. Friends don’t try to fix you, or tell you not to feel that way, nor do they have a stake in you’re behaving properly. They don’t tell you to dye your hair, or shave your legs, or clean up your language. They don’t care if you don’t bathe every day, wear ratty clothes, and go for a month without making your bed. They don’t worry about how it might reflect on them if you are out of step or out of style. Friends, in fact, value your differences and encourage you to express yourself in whatever way is true to you. They may argue with your politics, or assail your beliefs, but they’ll defend to the death your right to have them.
I have been fortunate in my life to have a small number of soulful connections who take me just as I am, and know that I love them even when we disagree. Being a friend is one of the richest experiences life offers. Knowing someone so well that you don’t have to talk all the time, don’t have to explain yourself, and don’t have to worry about being judged even when you do something stupid, is more precious than gold.
I sometimes take friends for granted; forget to tell them how important they are to me. As a friend, I tend to take more than I give, and neglect the obvious, like birthdays and special occasions. Sometimes I am insensitive and even harsh; sometimes lazy and selfish. Most of the time, my friends overlook my faults, but they will also tell me when my attitude stinks, or when I’ve hurt their feelings.
If you have even one true friend, your life is blessed indeed. Take time today to tell them how much you love them. Let them know they give your life spice, texture and joy.
Keeping the faith,
Jane
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