FRIEND routine

SO, everyone has to have friends, right?  Not necessarily.  If your definition of "friend" is defined loosely, then you're not routinely weeding your garden.  (more to come on gardening once i perfect my green thumb.)  But seriously, friendship is a constant evolution process that involves 3 essential steps:

1.  Do they listen?  This is more extensive than a simple "yep....i hear ya, sister" response.  I mean, deep, introspective, thoughtful processing before they spurt out what they THINK you want to hear.  It takes a real "friend" to tell you the truth, even if it's hard to swallow.

2.  Do they share?  We were taught as toddlers to share.  Be selfless with your toys, your princess gowns, and anything we had they didn't.  It has nothing to do with "rich vs poor" or a handout to other's less fortunate.  (yes, that's necessary--but that doesn't forge a friendship.)  It's a give and take that balances each individual EQUALLY.  Opposite from a "me, me, me" perspective 99% of the time.  Once you start sharing start sharing, continue sharing, and toys get stolen without being returned:  it's time to re-define:  Is this a friend or a "mooch"?

3.  Do they reflect WHO you are?  None of us our perfect.  In fact, I have dealt with many of "friends" who have hypocritically (in my opinion) turned their back on me when I was needing them most.  That, in and of itself, is the antithesis of what friendship defines.  However, if their behavior continues to implode beyond intervention, it's time to respectfully bow out.  If it's affecting your marriage, reputation, or religious conviction....you must draw the line in the sand.

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

I am growing every day as a believer and follower of Christ.  Daily, I seek his counsel on how to approach every relationship and barrier in life.  Every day I fail in some way, yet motivates me to seek His answer the next day in devotion and prayer.

Routine has become a mundane, yet necessary daily discipline that promotes growth in so many areas of life.  Friendship, love, health, spirituality, and so much more.  It's a process I'll continue to explore and share in hopes of personal inspirations;  and if I inspire others, it's icing on the cake.  

GOD BLESS!