Frienship

I used to think everyone was my friend. How naïve was that? When I met someone for the first time I instantly liked them. Yes, I now think that is strange. But on the other hand, I do like people in general. Everyone is valuable and worthwhile getting to know. I believe I can learn something from everyone I meet.
I have often struck up a conversation with a stranger, only to find that we have many things in common. It just takes some time and patience, a willingness to listen, and to ask the right questions.
But having said all that, it took me some years before I realised that not everyone felt that way, and that not everyone wanted to be my friend. I was quite devastated when  this fact hit me.
I started looking at the friendships I had, and the people I met, and analysed all the different relationships I had with them and the reasons for our relationships. Then I came across this saying which gave me some understanding
"Friends for a reason...
Friends for a season...
And some friends for life."
These words helped me to accept the that fact that people come into our lives for a time and a season and its okay if they are not bosom palls forever, sharing all their thoughts and dreams with me. The startling thing was that they did not want me to share all my thoughts and dreams with them either!
So I took a step back and waited for the unfolding of a relationship with a prospective friend. What I found, while I was carefully and thoughtfully engaging in developing a new friendship,  was astounding...to me at any rate.
For example I met a lady who had very similar interests to what I have, who was a similar age to me and seemed like an absolute match as a friend but sadly lasted one coffee morning and we never contacted each other again. Strange!
Then another lady, this time a few years younger with hardly anything in common is one of my best friends. Why is that?
I have come to the conclusion that friendship is a very precious thing, not to be taken lightly, but to be nourished, respected and appreciated.' Friends for life' are few and special and are called 'best friends'. 'Friends for a reason' come into our lives to meet a need that I have or maybe that they have. 'Friends for a season' come and go and are remembered for the richness they brought to me at that time.
I treasure everyone and am grateful for the times we spent together and look forward to making all kinds of friends in the future.