“True friendship is a plant of slow growth.”
~ George Washington, first U.S. president
The “who” of this quote surprised me.
George Washington talking about friendship? Really–a guy pondering relationships?
I expected this quote to be a pearl of wisdom from some other woman who, like me, knows how we women need our girlfriends.
Because we do.
One thing I’ve told my daughters over and over again: We need our girlfriends.
But here’s the thing: I’ve also prayed that my husband and son will find good friends. They may not have as many life-long friendships as I do, but they still need relationships with people who “get” them.
And, as George Washington so wisely said, true friendship doesn’t happen overnight.
Why?
Because true friendship requires trust.
If I’m going to be myself with someone, I have to know that I’ll be accepted–not laughed at. Loved–not ridiculed.
A friend can challenge me, call me on things–but I have to know her actions are backed up with a whole lot of “I’m here for you.”
In Your Words: What do you value in friendships? Do you agree friendships take time? Any fun friends story to share?
Comments 5
Beth,
Thank you so much for all you do to encourage writers to be the best we can be. You are a true inspiration!
Wow, love that quote, Beth. Yes, true friendships do take time and trust. Hmmm, friendship stories…..well, I have one friend that I met while on a date with her (now) husband’s best friend–roller skating of all things. We’ve been through many life happenings with each other, encouraging and speaking truth into each other’s lives. Then there’s a friend (who shall remain nameless) who helps me to laugh and see life through new lenses. She encourages me in writing and in mothering. Love these kinds of friends.
Good morning! I am at ACFW, and have already had some wonderful time with friends–and am eagerly anticipating more! Jeanne and Reba, you both used the word “encourage” in your comments. That’s a vital role of friends: encouragement. Friends encourage us–fill us with courage.
Thank you for beautifully living and modeling what you write about!
The whole friends thing has always been hard for me. I have never had a lot of friends. But I have always had one or two close friends. Those friends are the ones who have stuck with me when I let them down, when I allowed myself to fall into a dark hole of deception, they remained. My most faithful friend is my husband. He is my greatest source of encouragement and I am so glad that I not only married the man I fell in love with but my best friend too!