What friendship means to me.

Lately the definition of friendship has been a pondering thought in my daily routine. What is friendship? I know what the definitions tell me; "the state of being a friend". Well, okay, but again. What is a friend? So many ways to define this. The definition, seemingly the most popular for this one states; it is a person whom one knows, likes and trusts. (Dictionary.com) Alright. I get it. So as I kept reading, I noticed the word VALUE. The value that is found in friendship. Hmmm.. Something more to ponder. Now, I question what are my values in my friendships. I came up with a few, but nothing really jumped out at me. Was there anything I valued in a friend or a friendship. Sure there was. There had to be. So I thought harder. These are some of the things that I came up with; 
~ Being a friend to me means desiring what it best for the other individual.
~ TRUST. ABSOLUTELY A MUST!!
~ Sympathy and empathy when needed. No, they're not the same.
~ Honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms         of pointing out perceived faults of one's counterpart.
~ And finally, positive reciprocity.

Now, some of you may think, wow! This one is all for herself, however that is farthest from the truth. If you really think about it, no one person or persons, for a long period of time anyways can actually say that they will do, and do, and do with expecting nothing in return. Now, I don't say I have to have positive reciprocity for everything I do for my friends. That's not the case at all. However, when things are done over and over, isn't it only kind to return the favor. Like common courtesy, if you will. Judge me if you choose, but remember, this is what I'm writing for.

Now, back to what I was saying, I, as most do, have my share of friends. Some closer than others, knowing pretty much all there is to know about me. Weaknesses, strengths, fears, you get the picture. All of which, generally stays beyond public knowledge. Being a friend, is probably one of the most important things that I can be with others. Friendships are important bonds made between people that can carry on an entire lifetime. Some friendships are built for individuals no matter what. Trials, distance and certain life changes, just simply will never allow them to disconnect. I happen to blessed with a couple of these. PRAISE GOD! However, you always find yourself with those friends that now a days, would only refer to as acquaintances. The one's that just seem to drain you. Like a leech, just sucking the life out of you. Always demanding something, taking advantage and just overlooking the fact that, HEY! I'm human, a person, not a doormat, not a babysitter and certainly not a catch all. Then there's the ever so joyous "know it all".. Or the even better, "anything you can do, I can do better". Yes, don't try to deny it, you know you've had some of these individuals in your life at one point, and perhaps may still. But, me.. It's time to clean house! 


So I guess what I'm trying to say here, or even wonder, am I, and have I been the best friend I can be. Am I doing my part as a friend should to make my friendships the best they can be. Listen, I get it, I'm a woman, I'm a mom of 3, a wife, I have 2 dogs, I'm back in school, and a house to take care of. But regardless of how busy I am or how "life can get in the way of things", my friends with always have some of my time. They are who make me, a part of them is with me subconsciously always. Wether it's listening to a song on the radio, buying something at the grocery store, anything. My friends are a huge part of my life. They help me learn and grow as a woman, a mom, and perhaps even a wife. I couldn't and wouldn't trade them for the world. So I guess I'll leave you as I don't want to begin rambling. But I leave you with some of my favorite quotes from the bible. I wish I could say yes, I pulled my bible out and read through it a few times to remember where these quotes were, but who am I kidding, I've got all 3 kids awake, demanding breakfast and ready for the day to start. So internet quotes they are. Enjoy your day and remember to ask yourself; are you being the best friend you can be? Till next time.... 


"Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor. 
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - (New King James Version) 


"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 
You are my friends if you do what I command. 
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. " ~ John 15:12-15 


And last but not least, my favorite; 


"Do to others as you would have them do to you." ~ John 6:31