There are so many benefits to good friendships — and by “good” I mean strong, safe, stood-the-test-of-time friendships.
- Mutual understanding
- Shared laughter
- “What? You, too?” moments
- Inexhaustible forgiveness
- Unfettered acceptance
I’m certain you could add to my list of benefits. But when you find a friend who encourages your dreams, treasure that friend. Our dreams are fragile things — easily crushed by others’ judgement and doubts. It’s rare to find a trusted friend who holds our hopes dear — praying over them, bolstering our sagging spirits, whispering, “Oh, yes you can!” when we say, “I can’t!”
The best of friends can be trusted with our hopes and dreams — and not everyone is a “best” friend. And that’s okay. I have all sorts of friends in my life, and not all are best friends — and I’m not everyone’s best friend, either. I’m careful who I share my hopes and dreams with. I’m opening my heart to this person, inviting them in to a bit of my emotional “hallowed ground” as it were because yes, I’ve prayed over these hopes and dreams for years now.
With the encouragement of a friend, the kindness of a friend, our hopes and dreams can become bigger than we ever imagined. Bolder. And sometimes we finally dare to pursue the dreams we only talked about because of a friend’s belief in us.
In Others’ Words: When has a friend made in difference in your life by cherishing a hope or by being kind to a dream?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”ViPlZ” via=”yes” ]In Others’ Words: The Best of Friends https://ctt.ec/ViPlZ+ #InOthersWords #quotes #friendship @bethvogt[/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”eMs8a” via=”yes” ]”Friends…they cherish one another’s hopes. They are kind to one another’s dreams.” #quotes #Thoreau #friendship @bethvogt[/ctt]
Comments 3
Ummmm, you? That day when I shared the story seed God had planted in my heart. You watered it with encouragement and hope and shone sunlight on it when you began to mentor me and point me to places where I could learn more about writing.
I’m so thankful for you and the way you live out friendship!
Author
Well, Jeanne, you’ve encouraged my dreams, too! <3
I didn’t see this post because I had a houseguest from Wens. until today, close friends for 44 years now. We’ve had seasons when I’ve been strong for her, or her for me, but the biggest comfort is she knows me well, doesn’t get flapped by jams I get in that might rattle me because she says she sees my track record better than I do (and may be right). She’s one of many I’m very blessed with in for the long haul, as I am for them. Dear Beth, you are certainly another. And ALL friendships are patterned on and fueled by God, the very best life-long faithful friend of all.