What Does It Take To Be A Good Friend?

When I think of what it takes

to be a good friend,

the first thing I think about

is courage.  Lots and lots

of courage.

If you are engaging with another,

you've got to believe

that you have something to offer

or else why bother?

So to some extent, 

you believe in yourself,

you have faith that in spite

of the fact that you know

you don't have all the answers 

and have no idea what's ahead,

you move forward anyway.

Say you've burned some bridges

in past relationships 

and so you do know what is ahead.

You've got an idea of the stages

and basic steps found 

in making friends

and you reach out, initiate

and do a friendship again.

Oh my goodness,

this is why I say it takes courage.

You already know:

You will be hurt.

You will be disappointed.

You will give more than you get.

You will have conflict.

You will be seen for who

you really are.

And you will be knocked off

the friends pedestal at some point.

You will disappoint the other.

You will hurt someone.

You will have to say you are sorry.

You'll have to be vulnerable

to make it work.

You will be accountable

and have to listen with all your heart.

You will make huge sacrifices.

Is it any wonder that true friendship

is hard to find?

It is hard work on your side

as well as theirs.

So when you find one -

a person willing to go 

that extra mile;

remember the courage it takes

and give them lots of grace.

Give yourself grace too.

It is the hardest thing

you'll ever in your life do.

But I guarantee,

it will be the thing that brings

the most reward.

You'll grow leaps and bounds

and find out stuff about yourself

you never knew before.

So pray for courage.

Reach out and give yourself.

Find yourself.

Don't give in to fear.

Tell that fear to go.

You won't have it.

It's so worth it!