The gift called FRIENDSHIP

Season Greetings friends!!

Over the week, I had the awesome privilege of meeting for the very first time, a fellow blogger. This guy is someone I have tremendous respect for. His depth of insight inspires me more than words can express. He is a man of purpose and fundamental decency. Although our meeting was brief, but the moment was rich as we shared our experiences on life and people. For me, the moment was all about connection- not for what I can get from him, but what we can share together. Connecting with people is the most essential part of life. So, I try as much as I can to make new friends while maintaining old ones.

 Friendship is a sacred commodity. This is a relationship that is to be cherished, nourished and revered for a life time.

In my journey so far, I have had friends whose presence in my life made me a better person. I have had friends who stood by me, encouraging me during the darkest moments of my life. I have had friends who gave to me without expecting anything in return. I have had friend who believed in me even when I almost gave up on myself.  I have had friends whose tender and heartfelt words still reside and echo in the very depth of my soul. I believe friendship is a gift from God, and as long we live, we should embrace this gift called friendship.

In a world where we have many people communicating but very few connecting, it has become increasingly challenging building friendships upon the foundation of trust and understanding. I mean, people find it difficult understanding themselves, which is one major reason they grow apart over little misunderstanding. They focus more on what divides them rather than on what binds them together. A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have a little argument. A real friend knows that it’s not friendship until after you’ve had a fight.

Maybe I should say here that we need people in our lives that we can be transparent with and reveal who we really are. Don’t be afraid to express your need for friendship with another.  Everyone needs to share his secrets. Find a friend who is loyal, transparent, and trustworthy to share yours. This doesn’t happen overnight. It may take months, sometimes even years for us to trust people with secrets that’s we are scared of telling even ourselves.

Herein lies the challenge confronting us as individuals: How then do I transcend from the “ME” mindset to the “WE” mindset? How do I put aside my personal interest and reach out for that of another? How do I see the beauty camouflaged in the flaws of another?  Maybe, becoming interested in other people could be the solution to this problem. I must know who they are, understand where they have been, accept who they have become, share with them in their struggles, and still invite them to grow. That’s what makes me a friend.

As I conclude this piece, I must be careful to say that without close friendships, people lose perspective on what is simply part of being human at various ages and stages of their lives. However how busy your daily schedule may be, you must be careful not to let your job take the place of authentic friendships--- money, positions, or power can’t sustain your soul.  Your journey becomes interesting and fulfilling when you find a friend or friends you can travel with. I therefore implore you to embrace the gift called friendship.

And for those of you who have impacted my life greatly with your generosity, time, and love, I say a big thank you. Thanks for being part of my 2102. Let’s do it again in 2013.

I Love y'all 

Gracias