"The happiest moments my heart knows are those in which it is pouring forth its affections to a few esteemed characters." - Thomas Jefferson

Recently I have been analyzing the various forms of friendship I have been fortunate enough to experience. Some relationships offer love and support, patience and frequent acts of generous giving of time and self. Others swoop in and out like hummingbirds to a honeysuckle and provide the opportunity to learn patience and understanding that no two people are alike, hence no two friendships are alike. There is a quiet beauty in both dynamics when the effort and sincerity are at the heart of the relationship. There are some who quietly spend there lives devoted to intimacy with like minded individuals, making themselves open to being truly seen as they are as well as truly seeing those they love for who they are. There are some who thrive on the exhilaration of pulling friends out of the muddiness of life but protect themselves from the threat of messiness bleeding into their own. There are some that offer the hand of friendship while secretly manipulating the friendship for their own purposes. While others have taken bricks and mortar and walled themselves in to prevent any harm from coming in, unknowingly blocking out the greatest nutrients for growth. I have been and had a friend that fell into one or all of these categories.

Tonight, I was reminded of the beauty and pleasure of being in the company of those I can be completely myself with, warts and all. There is a joy in having the pleasure of a great meal while conversing about the vicissitudes of life, philosophy, and the new Harry Potter movie. There is a heart warming significance to having people you love and respect and generally enjoy being around make it clear they feel the same way. There is a sweetness in the laughter of good friends as they reminisce over the ridiculousness of life, and a glow that illuminates the darkest corners of one's inner being when one feels the sincere bonds of unrestrained mutual affection. To have such friendships I am truly blessed indeed and I look forward with anticipation in being the kind of person who can develop and strengthen the types of friendships that will be for the benefit of all. What recent experience has taught me is that the best kind of friend is never stingy in their expressions of appreciation and love, never withholding of their friendship out of a sense of fear or self-preservation, but overflowing with good will and a spirit of approbation. This is my challenge to myself to be more aware and diligent in my efforts to be such a friend as I have been truly blessed with.