Friendship

Today I’m contemplating friendship. I know a man who thinks he is no longer friends with someone if they don’t “keep up” with each other on a regular basis. I find this to be sad, because I have hundreds, maybe thousands of friends, and naturally do not stay in regular contact with most of them. But our connections are unique and beautiful; I cherish them deeply. What fond memories I hold with childhood friends, and social media has enabled us renew our friendships in a way which would not have been possible 20 years ago. And I am grateful. There are a multitude of folks who became friends because our children had connections. The bonds we have made through the friendships of our children are some of my favorites. We have many warm fuzzy memories and love our time together. The people who shared metaphysical meetings are an eclectic group which has continued to grow through the years. Joel Goldsmith said that people who share a spiritual love are bound together throughout eternity. What love is not spiritual? Today I took a woman, who has been a friend for many years, to meet a person who is a good acquaintance through my association with her as an accompanist where she is in the church choir. These two are helping each other in a nurturing and heart-warming way. I’m still glowing from witnessing the interaction between them! Old friends, new friends, close friends, good acquaintances — the list is never ending! The joy it brings is exponential in scope and rich with blessings. And we are grateful …  

“When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay."

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not;

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.” Kahlil Gibran