Do you remember collecting things when you were little? Oh, I sure do! I collected rocks, shells, and sand dollars from the Puget Sound. I collected pennants from wherever we travelled to, Barbies, and a few other things. Today, I collect unique sunglasses from wherever I travel, CDs of music from wherever we go, but the most important “things” I collect are friends. I always have had girl friends, from the time I was in elementary school. I had a set of girl friends at church, a set at school, and a set in our neighborhood.
You see, I am an extrovert, and a happy one at that. It seemed easy for me to make friends. We moved every few years as my dad accepted invitations from churches to come and lead their congregation. My siblings didn’t all enjoy having to make friends, but I am like my father, and loved meeting new people.
Are you an extrovert or are you more of an introvert? Maybe it is in your personality or maybe you have been greatly hurt by others you thought were your friends. The subject of bullying comes to mind because that can affect you for all of your life if you don’t forgive, heal, realize the value you have in Christ, and stand in that.
What do you look for in a friend? Honesty? Integrity? Sense of Humor? Caring Heart? Availability? Same interests? Think about your closest friends and ask yourself what you value in them. My closest friends are also sisters in the Lord because they exemplify the fruit of the Spirit.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” Galatians 5:22
I have several levels of friends, according to how close we are. I have acquaintances, social friends, close friends, heart friends and a best girl friend. I would be able to share something close to my heart with heart friends and my BFF that I would not feel comfortable telling other types of friends. It is healthy to set up boundaries to set relationships up for success and avoid painful disappointment. It takes time to build trust.
TD Jakes once said, “Some of us have a 10 gallon capacity to love and some of us only have a 5 gallon capacity to love. The trouble comes when the 10 gallon person expects the 5 gallon person to be able to give the same.” That has stuck with me for a long time.
This week, on Chained No More Talk Radio, we will have author and speaker, Natalie Snapp as a guest to discuss the topic: “From Friendship to Heart Sisters: Being the Friend You Want to Have.” She will tell her difficult background, and discuss the different elements of a quality friendship, the challenges of misunderstandings or betrayal, how to work through them, and so much more. Join us at www.toginet.com at 2-3pm ET.
Today is a good day to evaluate your friendships on all levels. Are they the friends who help you become a better version of you? Are YOU that type of friend, or do you need to take inventory and make some improvements for the sake of your relationships? Hmmmmm