#2 of 4 Doors That Are Not Locked
So, there is grace for you. There really is. And, door #1 is the door of forgiveness. Significant steps toward forgiveness, whether in giving or asking, are your move.
What’s behind door number two? Friendship.
Some eras of our lives are filled with friends. For many, the high school and college years with hundreds and thousands of kids crammed into small campuses heighten the likelihood of acquaintances and even some good friends. Raising children, work, recreation, and retirement can serve as situations that make friendships more likely.
Still, you may be living through a lean season regarding friends. So, what can you do?
1. Decide to be a friend. Get in touch. Enjoy a meal together. To be sure, you can’t make someone reciprocate your desire for friendship. But, initiate the contact and see what happens.
2. Ask yourself, “What kind of friend do I want?” Then, be that kind of friend.
3. Think about realistic expectations. Friendship causes vulnerability. Most people have been let down by a friend and have probably been the “letter-downer” whether they know it or not. You can’t make anyone do anything. But, you can enjoy another person’s company, and you can initiate contact.
4. If it doesn’t work, leave a blessing and move along. Some people’s lives are saturated already with family and friends. They just don’t have emotional room for more people.
5. Make it mutual. One-sided friendships don’t last long. Over time, each one should be the giver and the receiver.
The door of friendship is not locked. Consider these ideas for taking proactive moves into enjoying new friendships or rekindling old ones.
Worth Repeating
Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, not an opportunity.
-Khalil Gibran
