gather friends like flowers
this spring, i’ve been thinking about a phrase that reminds me to “gather friends like flowers.”
i bring this up because i consider myself a friendly person. more often than not i engage in random conversations with whomever i happen upon: bank teller, grocery checker, passer-by walking their dog—as mom would say, greet everyone with a smile and be cordial no matter the situation.
but in these facebook times of ours, i would be hard-pressed to call any of those folks “friends.”
webster’s definitions are:
1: one attached to another by affection or esteem,
2: one that is not hostile (is that really enough?)
3: favored companion
yet we throw the word around haphazardly. i think that is a shame. on the flip side, the ones I would call friends ask me how i’m doing and wait for an answer longer than “fine.” they have walked me through some of the hardest times of my life and also the most joyous. they allow me to do the same for them.
so i’ve been thinking, this year i may get to the back yard but where I plan to focus my time is cultivating those true friendships that will offer sweet aroma to my crazy world.
March 12, 2009
nicely put!
April 7, 2009
You are a lovely lady, and this post speaks to WHO you are. You are one of the friendliest people that I have had the joy to meet. I’m thankful for that, and for the opportunity to get to know you better. Your true gift is with people. I simply marvel (and enjoy) watching you in your element. Keep up the outstanding ability you have with others.