On Friendship

“Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend.” -Charles Spurgeon

Birthday Surprise!

I hit a major milestone on Monday when I celebrated my birthday with family and friends! I was looking forward to a quiet time with close friends. I had no clue what was coming. Seriously, I was clueless…..

It was supposed to be a time of coffee with my sister and a close friend of mine and later on lunch. My sister kept saying that she had a simple gift to give and that she had intentionally left it in her office. I simply believed her. :(

After picking up the gift bag from her office, she instructed me to open it in the coffee shop. She said it would suit the place. Her close friend and colleague gave the affirmative. Okay!  I was getting a bit apprehensive.  “Were they going to send me on a treasure hunt? Have they hidden clues in that coffee shop? Do I need to talk to strangers to get my real gift?”

Finally, we did reach the coffee place and as we seated ourselves comfortably, my sister asked to me to open the gift. Whew!  (Mind getting hazy!) Then sis pulled out her camera. Okay! Picture time. I am comfortable with that. Then she wanted to record my reaction as I opened her gift. Now, this is getting weird. What is this? Why should this be recorded?

When I opened the gift, I was shocked! A scrapbook? You got to be kidding me! Wow! That totally didn’t cross my mind! Sheesh! So much for my skills of deduction. Sis scored a point here! Hmmm….

As I opened the book and glanced at all the folks who had contributed to write a note for my big day, I was overwhelmed. I was moved to tears! It was a very touching moment for me. So many friends who took the time to write and wish me on my birthday! It was a marvelous experience!

So thankful to God for blessing me with a wonderful sister! She who painstakingly worked behind the scenes to bless me with such a wonderful reminder of God’s work in the years gone by and for the friends He brought my way. Thank you girl! I am honored to be your sis and best friend.

What makes it more special is that she was going through a very difficult trial in her life and yet, she sought to bless me and worked—to bring it to fruition. That is such an evidence of Christ’s transforming work in her life. J

And for my sister's dear friend who worked alongside my sis and helped to bring this project to life! Thank you and hats off to your creativity! I am still amazed. Thank you girl for your love and friendship. This will be a great reminder for me what a blessing it is to have friends like you!

And for all the dear ones who wrote and encouraged me: A big shout out to you’ll! You guys rock! J

This experience had made me love Christ more and pursue His likeness, to serve and be a blessing to those around. 

I am seriously blessed!

Talk it out!!

I realised something last night that the key to resolving conflicts with someone is by talking it out. I say this coz I just did that for the first time. Man! Was I nervous or what? But there was so much I have learnt that it will be hard to forget. Ok when I say conflicts I mean any kind of misunderstanding that looms large in a particular relationship whether friendship or hubby-wifey relationship....Most of the time we clam up and brood on what was said and literally meditate on it for days..... Then sarcastic comments are poured but the real reason for dismay is not disclosed.

One of the real reason why we do not actually sit down and talk it out is that we are basically afraid to do so or we are too proud. If we are really keen on pursuing that particular relationship that holds the risk of falling between the cracks, we will take that extra step. Maybe some of you reading this might say that they face the risk of hurting the person. What about that? In any relationship there are bound to be times where we will hurt one another, coz we are human. But what makes the relationship special is that we still strive to love and care for the person in spite of all the shortcomings. If that friend has hurt you in ignorance, tell him/her in love. Choose your words carefully. Mull over what you will say...

Rehearse in your mind over and over again. Don't say anything in anger. Stay calm. I'm sure your friend after hearing you out will have a good reason to justify his/her behavior. Remember it takes two to tango!! Be honest and transparent. If your friend is genuine, he/she will seek to restore the friendship, otherwise they will just flare up and walk out of the relationship.

In the end, it takes a lot more than we think to maintain friendships and other important relationships. Egos have to be kept aside and much sacrifice is required for the relationship to blossom. Communication is the key!!

Blessings..

My weekend was good as it was not too hectic. Got some time to relax and spend time with my friends. I am very grateful to God for the kind of friends I have at this phase of my life. Few but precious- really a gift from God.

The start of the week was not too bad either, which is a surprise. I guess my attitude's beginning to change as I realise it's a sheer blessing to work, so why grumble. My day's almost done and I will wrap within few minutes to leave. Contentment is a gift where you learn to be satisfied with what you have and not complain like the Israelites. Hahaha....That's all for today...Hope to write few posts in the coming days...Chow!!