Friendship.

Recently, I've had the special blessing of learning what true friendship is.  I would like to share with you what I have learned.  But first, here's a little bit about me.

I've never really been the one to show my friends how much I need help.  There have been few people throughout my life who have seen that side of me.  I've never wanted to burden anyone with my problems, especially because I know that everyone has their own.  A few months ago, I was asked the question, "Don't you like to be there for your friends?"  I answered, "Absolutely."  Then the follow-up question, "Then don't you think your friends would like to be there for you?"

And since then, here's what I've learned the answer is: YES.

They love me and care for me, and it makes them feel good to help.  It also makes me feel so much better when I know that I have people to call.  It helps me to stay positive.  And I can see Christ's love for me in them.

I've also learned that friendship is a two-way street.  It's not just one person always needing the other.  It's two people who love, care for, and need each other.  It's celebrating the happy times and comforting during the hard times.  It's not always expecting the other person to be "on" and accepting them in their vulnerable state.  It's encouraging and helping them to be better.  It's being a positive influence.

I have a whole new appreciation for my friends, and I'm incredibly grateful for them.

So, if you're a person, like me, who has trouble asking for help or comfort, don't be.  Ask for help.  There are people who love you and who would LOVE to be able to comfort you.