You've Got A Friend in Me

The sermon at my church this Sunday could not have resinated with me more than at a time like this.  It was all about friendship and really digging deep about what a true friend actually looks like and how to not only have one, but be one yourself because ultimately it is a two way street.

As I was helping label and doodle on my friend Ashleigh's little sister's book cover last night, I looked up and around the table at 3 of my closest friends and just thought to myself how amazing the Lord is for creating such beautiful people both inside and out.  I can honestly say that I am just overwhelming with joy whenever I hangout with them because they bring out the best in me and it's never a hassle trying to find conversation or something to do.  We could be perfectly happy sitting at the table and coloring for hours because we would just think it was the most fun thing in the world as long as we were hanging out.  It is times like those that I cherish and thank God for because they set the bar high for friends.  I would so much rather have them then a million acquaintances ANYDAY.  We may not see each other everyday of the week or talk all the time, but we do make sure that we are there for each other and support each other through life's obstacles. They will tell me straight up if I am in the wrong and although I may not life it at first, I know they've got my back and best interest.  I can call any one of them at any hour and they would be on their way in a heart beat to help.  Settling for anything less than these girls is a waste!

Like a lot of girls, I have gone through a few different "best friends" and after time we went different ways and found other friends.  It was not until high school that I was blessed with what my pastor called and what I believe to be "soul" friends.  For a while I was just frustrated with my friendships and thought it was all the other person and I never did anything wrong, but in reality I was also to blame.  Instead of talking out a problem I would just let it build inside of me and take it out on the person or something else along those lines and never really do anything about it.  I mean, in middle school though I think we all are just out for quantity rather than quality, am I right?  Well, I was for a lot of it and am thankful for once being that way because Lord knows I would not appreciate the wonderful friendships I have now.  Friendships are SO crucial in life! You cannot try and tell me otherwise because I will never believe it.  We need companionship and we need to have people around us that will support us and tell us the truth no matter what.  My pastor gave us a few key points to fill in on our bulletin that help with learning "How to Foster Friendships" and I don't know about you but it helps me to stay focused when I get to write on things at church.

Anyways, he said "I need to be... "

 Considerate

 Confidential

 Honest/Open/Frank

 Constructive

 Consistent 

I feel like although I am still learning and working on them, my friendships are so much greater because  they are real and firm.  They don't depend on how often I compliment the person or how many pictures we have together, they are deep and contribute to my well being.  I can be myself and they accept me, no matter how moody or ridiculous I get.  They don't pressure me into doing anything I wouldn't want to do and I never find myself having to compromise my values in order to stay "cool" with them. What was my main problem was that I did not know how to be a good friend.  I understood what it meant to have companions but never realized what needed to be done to really have friends that needed me and vice versa.  Friendship requires love and love is selfless.  We need to be reminded daily that we are not perfect and therefore have to work on things, such as relationships.  If only we gave as much as we wanted in return...