Making A Difference in your FRIENDS

Where would we be without our friends? Some of us have a lot of friends where others have only a few. Regardless, there is a powerful role you can play to Make A Difference in the lives of your friends!!

Personally, I have a lot of friends. They all happen to be on different levels, but numerous none the less. I guess that's not a big surprise for a walking mouth like me. I truly enjoy the treasure that each one is to me. In fact, I am most addicted to my friends! One could say that I collect them! They Make A Difference in me and I (Hopefully) in them!

I have noticed on more than one occasion that some people think/feel that folks should seek them out to be friends. I am one to think just the opposite. I believe that in order to have great friends, you must first be a great friend!! Here are some positive steps to achieve that.

Connect with them often, but also give them their space. Whether it is by phone, appointment or activity, it's important to cultivate friendship. There is however a time when one should give friends some space to be an individual. There is a healthy balance.

Invite your friends to speak into your life. My closest friends know that they can come to me at any time with an encouragement or rebuke. I give them complete permission to call me on the carpet when I do something wrong or to perhaps place me in the right direction when I am heading the wrong way. THIS is one of the most valuable gifts one can give to a friend!! Imagine how nice it feels to hear a friend ask you "Would you speak into my life?"

Reach out to them in their times of need. Show that you care for them. Be a consistent model of love and acceptance in their lives. My friend (And John Barleycorn Manager) JR is a great example of this! There was a moment a while back where I truly needed the support of a good friend. He called me multiple times a day for a while, just to make sure that I knew he cared.

His action proved his friendship!

His communication conveyed his love!

His consistency showed his care!!

Whether you have a lot of friends or just a few, these tips can be employed.

Making A Difference starts with little moments. Those moments are care, happiness, peace, patience, self-control, gentleness and kindness. Moments that are of being, rather than doing.

Make the most of those everyday "Make a Difference moments" with your friends!