A Time to be Grateful for All that We Have

November is National Gratitude Month. Even though it’s the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s also a time to give thanks for all our blessings. Gratitude means that we are thankful for our lives as well as all the gifts life has bestowed upon us. We’re even grateful for those things that are blessings in disguise.

During the next few weeks, we will discuss the different things to be grateful for and how to show appreciation for those things.

Friendship

Relationships are important, yet many people have given up on ever having a true friend. We mustn’t ever give up on humans. We are all fallible and hurt one another at times. They say that likes attract, but whether that’s true or not, the adage “To have a friend, you must be a friend,” is impeccably true. But first, you must know what it means to be a friend.

Some of us think of friends as someone with whom to socialize or to talk to. But for a friendship to grow and to last, it must go deeper than mere socialization.

Friends first should be the rule of any relationship keeping us ever mindful to treat others as we want to be treated.
Friends make a conscious effort to not only receive but also to give. They take the time to listen to one another and ask questions. They are mutually interested in learning about one another. With time, they disclose things that aren’t open to the public. They develop a sense of trust.

Sometimes trust is violated.  Usually, it’s unintentional, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less. A true friend will acknowledge their mistake and do what it takes to correct it. They want to repair any damage and make things right. A true friend will allow healing to take place. Then they can forgive one another and move beyond their flaws and into a soul connection.

Without forgiveness, all relationships are either superficial or lonely. Some people will isolate themselves to avoid people and getting hurt. A real friend isn’t afraid of being hurt. They know that it’s better to lose a small part of an investment than the whole thing. They also know that they can learn and grow from their hurts so that they don’t keep making the same mistakes.

Friends are not exclusive. They don’t keep others out. They are open to inviting new people into their circle. They know that the more love they share, the more they have. They don’t have to like everyone, but a genuine friend will take an honest appraisal of why they don’t care for someone. Is it insecurity or jealousy? Or is it because you find that person abrasive, competitive, or toxic?  The former provides an opportunity to stretch, the latter provides an opportunity to be selective.

Friends are loyal. They don’t say anything behind your back that they don’t say to you directly. They stick by you through thick and thin and won’t betray your trust.

A friend is there for you when you can’t be there for yourself. They pull you out of the darkest places and the depths of despair back into your life. They will carry you when you can no longer get up and then a little longer.

When all else is lost and our friend is all that’s left, we experience gratitude to its fullest. During those moments, the love between two friends transforms both people to a higher level – a fearless trust that despite all evidence to the contrary – all is well. A friend is the most precious gift to be treasured above all else.

If you’re alone, reach out and be a friend – without an agenda or expectations. Simply give out of love and you will find the love you lack. Then give thanks that love has found its way through you and a place to take root to grow a friendship for a lifetime.

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