Friendships

It's that time of the year again where roses are over priced and so are chocolates! hahaha just kidding. It's the time when lovers are up in the sky and those of singles, well we're just here hahah.. No, of course not. In Spanish it's called El Dia Del Amor y La Amistad, emphasis on Amistad, Friendship. Today we celebrate friendships as well. It's not just about the lovers and getting roses and chocolates and huge teddy bears but it's also a time to celebrate and be thankful for the friendships around us. It's time to be thankful for those individuals that have stuck around and that keep us company when we need them most.

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

I've been thinking about friendships a lot lately. I was the type of person who would tell myself I don't really have friends. I talk to people and I get along with them but at a surface level. There wasn't a single person that came to mind when I thought "best friend". I would dwell on this and be like whatever, it's okay. Then one day I was riding a taxi with some people I know and they started talking with the taxi driver. Their conversation was about friendship. He said to the taxi driver, "I consider you my friend. I have a lot of friends everywhere. Will you be my friend?" Though the conversation wasn't with me, it spoke to me. I have to stop declaring that I don't have any friends. I have to be the friend I want others to be. If others don't consider me a friend, I can still be a friend to people. I need to stop backing out before even allowing others to be friends. 

Not all friends are meant to stay forever. There are seasons in our lives and some are here for a short period. Yes, sometimes those we wanted to stay for the long run will walk out but it's okay. You will be okay! Either way, we need to open ourselves to the opportunity of making friends. I'm guilty of being skeptical but that's not right. Especially as children of God, we should be good friends. If others don't want to be friendly, don't let that bother you. You be a friend. Jesus was a friend to all. 

 I've noticed that a lot of people struggle with this too. People get comfortable with a certain group of people and then they have trouble adjusting when they are with others. Or they feel out of sorts and lonely when they aren't with their "main". Sometimes it feels like we are the only ones feeling lonely and friendless but we all feel that way at one time or another. By talking to people I've noticed that I'm not the only one. We just need to reach out to people and start talking. Consider people your friends instead of automatically checking yourself out. Be the friend you want others to be. Trust me, when you start doing this, your attitude will change, and a brighter day will begin. And lately, I have noticed I am blessed with some very special people in my life that I call friends. Thank you, I appreciate you today and everyday!

Happy Valentine's Day