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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Friendy Reminder



I truly believe that one of the secrets to a fulfilling life are deep, long-lasting friendships. One of the beautiful parts of true friendship is the ability to relate on a deeper level than casual aquantance will allow. The best friendships are cultivated and enriched through time and effort. Everyone knows that true friends are able to occassionally use the phrase, "Do you remember when...". This type of mutual memory has more to do with effort by both parties than with the fact that someone is simply called a pal.


How many of us have had friendships that we felt were "one sided". Before you point a finger, remember that we've all fallen short in the "I'm there for you, man" category. Or, have you ever not been "accepting applications" for new friends. This sort of friendship hiring freeze does nothing to enrich your life and likely takes you a few steps backwards. The sad truth is, it's hard to be a good friend and much easier to not be one at all.


Praise God for my good friends. He has never failed to put the right people in my life at just the precise time. That is, when I have allowed it. Perhaps it's time to pick up the phone, reach out and be just the friend that someone out there needs.


Then again, tonight, there is that special episode of Dirty Jobs I've been waiting to see. Well, I suppose I can always just review the resumes tomorrow.

9 comments:

Chuck said...

What a pleasure it was to see you again. Your post hits something very deep inside. Since the AF days, I feel that I have not developed as deep of friendships as I had before. Blame it on work, family, whatever. Like any relationship, it takes time. Sadly, I have not made big efforts in that area as family has taken on that role. But you still need that connection with others. So, that's my new new years resolution - invite my friends over for a sleep over and some D&D where we never get past rolling for characters.

Steve said...

Good post, Alan. It's great reconnecting with you and our other high school friends. They say that if you can count the number of good friends in your life on more than one hand you are lucky. I am a lucky man indeed.

Todd R. Vick said...

Happy birthday, Dook. Thank you for being one of those special friends. It is I who is blessed.

George said...

Remember when you and Chuck and Todd and Jay and I were in the marching band and Steve and Rick and Martha and others would cheer and support us at pep ralleys and games and such? Good Times. Good Friends. Cool!

vstilwell said...

The new (very young- age 23) band director at Airport recently pulled out some of the old band photos.. I was able to recognize several of you in those pics as well as on Coach Yawn's senior picture boards.. I loved the ruffled tux shirts, big bow ties, and big 80's hair!!

Rick said...

Dirty Jobs? Let me know when Mythbusters comes on - we'll be right there.

Alan said...

Please, VStilwell, don't remind me of those days. Aarrgh

James said...

I am pleased to know Steve and Martha were cheering the band on. In our yearbook recently I saw a photo of you and Jelly sporting your shades while marching in the band. Who else could have gotten away with that? (Someone's asking, gotten away with what? Wearing Ray Bans while marching or doctoring yearbook photographs prior to publication?)

Alan said...

That's a lie!... good one, Jay.