(You can TRUST that if I'm hosting a party, there will be a chocolate fountain!)
Today is day 20 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).
~T~
Sometimes a friend will disappoint you. Perhaps you've known this friend since you were a kid and all of a sudden you realize they aren't trustworthy. They do a few little things, perhaps you catch them in a couple lies. Then you realize they've stolen some money from you, but you figure they must have really needed it. You love them after all. You've known them since you were teenagers. You would've given it to them if they had asked. But then they do something big, something really big and you don't think you'll ever be able to trust them again. Trust is a hard thing to earn back once you've lost it. Even if you want to give it back to that person, you are still hesitant... It may take years for them to prove themselves to you. Being trustworthy is something that should never be taken for granted no matter how long you've been friends... Don't deceive your friends. You could lose that trust forever!
I don't like it when people make jokes at the expense of others. I don't mind blond jokes because I'm blond. But it really bothers me when people show that they are intolerant of other groups based on some difference they have. Sometimes people use racial slurs without even thinking about it. It really upsets me when people do that. Again, I'm far from perfect. I make mistakes, but I try very hard not to stereotype people based on their skin color, age, sex, sexual orientation, height, religion, race or intellect. I hope, really really hope, that I decide to like a person or dislike a person based on the quality of their character...I hope I'm a tolerant person.
Being thoughtful is another way you can show you are a good friend. Occasionally, calling a friend out of the blue is a way to be thoughtful. Dropping them a note in the mail in another way. One of our old neighbors brought dinner over to us a couple times when she had seen us working out in the yard all weekend. She was soooo thoughtful! Even little gestures to strangers can indicate if you are thoughtful. Opening the door for someone, saying bless you to a stranger, picking up something when a stranger drops it and offering a spot in line when the person behind you had one item and you have 50 are all ways to be thoughtful. Being thoughtful to friends and strangers will make your heart feel full.
I hope your heart feels full today...
