Friends are the Flowers in
the Garden of Life
by Margaret Lembo
There
are many levels of friendship in our lives. Some people are simply acquaintances. Some are
"fair weather" friends. Some are friends when it’s convenient. There are
some who are extremely friendly only when they need you for something.
A friend of mine said, " If you have 7 real friends in your whole
lifetime, then you are truly blessed." That made me start thinking about what makes a
meaningful friendship.
Friendships don’t just happen. They require attention, nurturing,
love and energy to create them and keep them alive. Friendships require our time. The time
to talk and share our thoughts and feelings, to enjoy a meal together, to just be alone
together. Of course, a friend is there during the bad times: when you are sick, depressed
or grieving the loss of a loved one. Friends remember to reciprocate energy into the
relationship. To make a genuine friendship, both people involved do the inviting; doing
and loving naturally of their own accord.
Strong bonds of friendship develop over time, sometimes many years,
undergoing and withstanding strong shocks of adversity. Another friend told me something
very simple. Most misunderstandings or conflict really stem from "unmet
expectations." When we have "no expectations" from those we consider our
friends, we can have a lot more happiness in our lives and we all can be free to be who we
truly are. With honest communication, love and compassion, the friendship has the
potential to grow stronger and deeper through any hardship or discord.
True friends are able to forgive and have compassion and love without
judgement. When we are a sincere friend, we can easily look at the bigger picture. No
matter how the other has acted or what he or she has said or done, it comes back to our
own "unmet expectations." When we are clear within ourselves about our needs and
wants, then our friendships are perfectly balanced.
I realize it is much more important that I am the good genuine friend
and all else falls into place from that basis. My Grandma Lorenzo used an expression for
cooking that I feel applies to all aspects of life. Of course, she said it in Italian yet
it translates, "If you put all good things into it with love, then how can it be
anything but good?"
May we continue to strive to be a good friend. May we learn to live and
let live in Love, Peace, Freedom and Joy.
Blessings and Love,
Margaret
"Friendship is like a bank account, you
cannot draw on it without making deposits.
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