A Friend Is . . .

What is a friend? My thesaurus offers many synonyms: ally, alter ego, chum, companion, co-worker, colleague, helper, pal, and partner, to name a few. Like the people who create, every friendship I unique. But one thing is certain: Enduring friendship, while difficult to cubbyhole, is easy to recognize. We know it when we see it.

Epicurus wrote, “Of all the things that wisdom provides to make life happy, by far passed the greatest friendship.” Over two thousand years have passed since the Greek sage offered this observation, but little has changed. Friendships are still among the most sublime of human pleasures.

The following quotations describe, at least in part, what it means to be a friend. If you’re interested in acquiring or maintaining  one of life’s greatest possessions, then keep reading. . .

• True friends . . . face in the same direction toward common projects, interests and goals. ~ C.S. Lewis
• A real friend feels no need to excuse himself for some failing ~ The Lubliner Rabbi
• A friend is one who makes me do my best~ Oswald Chambers
• Acquaintances ask about our outward life; friends ask about our inner life ~ Marie von Ebner-Eschenback
• A friend can tell you things you don’t want to tell yourself ~ Frances Ward Weller
• She is a friend. She gathers the pieces and give them back to me in all the right order. ~ Toni Morrison
• Best friend, my wellspring in the wilderness. ~ George Eliot

There is only one thing better than making a new friend, and that is keeping an old one. It has been said that best mirror is an old friend. But a lifelong pal is more than a mirror; he or she is also a priceless treasure. Thomas Edison said, ” I have friends whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of kings of the world.” New friends are wonderful of course, but they can’t take the place of old ones, not even new acquaintances are kings or queens!

If you have an old friend you haven’t called in a while , why not give them a call not a text but call them today? The call wouldn’t cost you much, and your friend will be thrilled to hear from you. Besides, the king probably has an unlisted number.