The Gift of Friendship

I love gifts.  Big ones, small ones, silly ones, meaningful ones, random ones, occasion-marking ones, just because it’s Monday ones...I think you get my point.  You hand me a latte and it makes my day - you find me a paper clip shaped like a pineapple and it’s the most exciting thing because I love gifts.  Not because of the things themselves, but because of what it says.  A gift says ‘I was thinking about you’ and that in itself is a gift.  

I know it might sound trite, maybe a little cliche but I truly believe this with every coffee-filled ounce of my being. Friendship is the greatest gift. Now, don’t misunderstand me or quote me out of context, I haven’t lost sight of or diminished the fact that my Faith is the supreme gift (bearing in mind that that relationship too, is a friendship).  But seriously, the opportunity to be heard and understood and journey in solidarity through the phases of life is a gift. Friendship is so unique. It’s one of the most sought after gifts.  It’s often unexpected and it’s a gift that just keeps giving.  And it’s one I’m so thankful for.  I certainly appreciate all the other kinds of gifts ( sparkly ones, coffee ones, pastry ones) but the quality time and the personal investment of self in a conversation or in a life stage - that’s priceless. 

I feel very fortunate to be blessed with tremendous friendships.  Some go back to childhood and some are new and still forming. One of my favorite comments about friends came out of the mouth of an at the time four year old Anna.  We were at the beach and frolicking in the waves (don’t you frolick at the beach? Occasionally we also meander along the shore even traipsing across the sand but mostly we frolick). Anyway, I digress.  Anna spotted a few children playing nearby and asked to go and play with them.  My response was that we didn’t know them and she countered with "we don’t know them yet. So let’s go make them our friends." Slightly forceful but I love the sentiment - that they’re not our friends only because we haven’t met them yet.  It’s beautiful. 

Long rambling post made short - I so enjoy the times we spend together.  From blog or Facebook posts to chats in person while we keep kids from launching themselves off of jungle gyms, trampolines and pretty much any elevated surface. You and your friendship are a gift - thanks for sharing!