Discovering Treasure

 

“A faithful friend is a strong defense, and he that has found him has found a treasure.”

Louisa May Alcott

1832-1888

Author

 

Most people will tell you that there are few things in life as welcome as a good friend. Friendship is a basic human need that we all have. We all need love and the ability to trust and confide in another person. American journalist Sydney J. Harris said, “A real friend warms you by his presence, trusts you with his secrets, and remembers you in his prayers.” A good friend is indeed a treasure to be found.

We all must understand that there is something more important than finding a true friend: to be a true friend. English Lawyer and author Thomas Hughes said, “Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God’s best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one’s self and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another.” You cannot be selfish and self-centered and be a true friend. By its very nature, friendship requires us to reach out of ourselves and care for another person more than we do ourselves. 

I know that some people seem to make friends more quickly than others. They are more outgoing and personable, easy to talk to, and open. Some people are by nature more shy and withdrawn. The thing is that you do not have to be the life of the party to be friendly. C.S. Lewis put it this way: “Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: ‘What!  You too? I thought I was the only one.’” It is that simple. A connection on common ground is made, and a friendship is born.

Friends encourage, build up and believe in one another. They want to see their friends succeed and will work to help that happen. Friendship is not the amount of time you spend together or the secrets you share. It is the belief you have in each other and the willingness to do all you can to help someone else succeed.

Do not complicate friendship. British hymn writer Frederick W. Faber said, “Many a friendship – long, loyal, and self-sacrificing – rested at first upon no thicker a foundation than a kind word.” Be a friend to others, and you will be the treasure they find in life. 

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2021 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the written permission of the author.