The philosopher-poet Ralph Waldo Emerson coined a phrase in the 1800’s on friendship stating, “To have a friend, be a friend; the only way to have a friend is to be one.”
It still rings true today.
As International Day of Friendship is celebrated annually on July 30th, I thought it might be a good time to celebrate the friends in our lives.
I realize that not everyone makes a compatible friend to all; it takes certain characteristics to draw individuals together and that’s what makes friendships so unique.
All of us are quirky in our own right; to have someone celebrate who we are as individuals makes them pretty special, at least in my eyes. You know the ones: they laugh at your corny jokes, they cry when you cry and give support when it’s most needed, and they are always there no matter how many years go by or how much water flows under the bridge…
It’s been said that friendship is hard to find and even if you have one good friend, count yourself blessed.
Courting friendship is about the same as dating; you find commonality and go from there. There seems to be an invisible attraction that draws one to another. Sometimes it happens quickly and oftentimes it’s a pursuing passion and takes time to build.
I have also found that a true friend will stick with you through thick and thin. I know some thin-skinned friends who abandoned their so-called best-friends when the chips were down, so contrary to what the meaning of a true friend is: “A friend loves at all times,” Proverbs 17:17 and “…A friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24.
It’s really not about agreeing with everything a person says or believes in; I think it’s more about appreciating the giftings within our friends and celebrating the joy they bring to our lives.
They bring a sense of balance in opinions and thoughts that helps to keep us on track; even if they disagree, it’s nice to have a friend’s perspective on things.
As I see it, friends are like the icing on a cake, they sweeten up our lives and make our world a happier place.
"It’s always nice to have someone in your life who makes you smile even when they’re not around."
- Unknown author
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
