On Friendship

Chapter four is a short one. It finds me at six years old in Boulder, Colorado. My best friend is Rusty, a boy that lives across the street. We go to school together and play together nearly every day.

You’ve heard me say that I have a few friends. This is true. In every place that I’ve lived, I venture to say that I have one or two good friends at a time. I value friendship, but I’m not sure that I understand it that well—how to do it right, I mean. I’m pretty sure my friends would say that I do it okay, maybe even that I’m good at it, but I’m not confident in my friendship or people skills.

First, I don’t keep in touch like I should. My friends say I have a knack for getting in touch when they need it most and I’ll venture to say that that’s a good thing, but I feel like I should reach out more often. If I find myself thinking about a friend, I will make a concerted effort to get in touch with her and find out how she’s doing.

Second, we don’t get together much. My good friends of many years are scattered to the winds so getting together is easier said than done, but I do think about it now and then, at least.

Third, I wonder if I nurture my friendships enough. Do I honor them by doing what I think is right by them? I sure hope I do. I know I try to. I can’t say the word “try” without thinking of Yoda. “Do or do not, there is no try.” By that measure, I will say that I do honor them by doing what I think is right by them, as best I can. I learned once that your best fluctuates according to your abilities at any given time. One day your best might reach new heights when you feel you’re on top of the world. The next day your best might be maintaining the status quo when you feel that’s the best you can do.

What are your thoughts on friendship? Do you keep in touch and visit and honor your friends? Let me know what you think. I’m very interested in cultivating more friendships, so I’m looking forward to what you have to say on the matter.

#Friendship