“In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our friends,” says Colin Powell. I think he’s right.
When things are great, everyone wants to give you a high five. People want to hear your stories when you’re heading off to speak at Google or taking a trip to Dubai. But how about when you have to speak to a doctor or have to take a trip to chemotherapy. Who wants to join you in that conversation?
When people agree with you, they often want to chat with you. They approve of you, so you’re an OK person. But what happens when they disagree with you?Can they still love you as a person? Are you still someone they will treat kindly when you’re having a hard day? Or are they secretly glad when you’re having your hard day because they think you’ve gotten the comeuppance that you deserve for doing something of which they disapprove?
But here’s another question. How do you treat friends when they are having a difficult time? How do you treat people with they disagree with you?
Oh, to be a noble friend and be there for people! To be the kind of person who loves unconditionally and gives grace far past what others deserve! It is easy to be a friend on sunny days when you both like the same music and nothing difficult faces either of you. But great is that friendship when you’re there for each other when the road is steep and decisions don’t come easy.
May we all be a true friend. And may we find them. And if you’ve found someone who is truly there for you and won’t leave when times are difficult, count yourself fortunate indeed.
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