As I think about friendship this morning, I am thinking about what I want for my friends? Focusing on my desires for my friends, I believe, will help me to be a good friend and enjoy good friendships.
Good relationships
I want my friends to enjoy good relationships. I want to hear about their friendships and family relations and support what they hope for in those relationships at work, at home, and in the community.
Passions and Pursuits
My friends enjoy a wide array of passions and pursuits. These passions and pursuits make my friends interesting and helps their lives to be meaningful and fulfilling. I love hearing about my friends' passions and pursuits. I want to support that.
Support
I want to be there when my friends need me and I want to be there in ways that are helpful which may sometimes mean just being present and at other times mean helping them with specific actions. I want my friends to feel like they can honestly rely on me when needed.
Space
I want to give my friends the space they need to live the lives they desire.
Good times
I want to share good times with friends. I want to share those events and experiences that we enjoy together.
So as I think of my friendships, I want to think about this sentence: Dear Friend, How can I support who you are, what you love, and what you need--how can I walk the path of life with you in ways that are meaningful, positive, and enjoyable.
Onward.