Here's something you won't read about that often, helping a friend.
Friendships, real friendships are truly a blessing to have and true friends are hard to find.
There are two things that will test a friendship, they are time and circumstances.
When it comes to defining friends, trouble and life's circumstances will determines how long quasi friends stay around.
But a friend that is only around in good times, is that really a friend? Neighbors will show themselves more friendly than some friends and some friends are closer to you than family.
Friendships can be made in an instant, but it takes years to grow and develop one.
In out instant, give me now culture, people don't take the time to develop lasting friendships.
Many friendships are born out of hardships, tragic events and pleasant experiences.
There is something unique about a situation or circumstance that creates the environment to extend the hand of friendship.
In many fellowships, where people are to have things in common, you have favorites, you have those who despise you because of your friendships and associations.
Associations, allies and acquaintances seemed to have choked out e real meaning of what a friend is.
People can get along real well at work and have a great working relationship and you are just a co-worker, not friend.
It's interesting how we define the way we relate to each other.
We have friends, associated, co-workers or simply someone I know from riding the bus.
When it comes to defining someone as a friend, this is where the list gets short.
Sometimes we all need the help of a friend.
A friend is someone you can go to, that wont throw you under a bus, they wont tell it to others and they wont exploit you in a moment of weakness.
They will however, tell you the truth of a matter and in many cases, not tell you the truth because they see your not ready to deal with it.
A friend will try to lighten the load and they will even help you carry a burden.
When it comes to helping a friend, the best things you can start doing is to simply listen.
Some times you may have to say no.
Helping for the sake of the name friend, can actually damage the relationship.
How so? Loaning a friend your car, when you know they are reckless and irresponsible.
But, the questions arises, how many of us will call someone reckless and irresponsible our friend? Such a friend, wont ask to borrow your car.
You will never have all the answers when it comes to helping your friend and that's OK, being there and just listening could be the best thing you can do for the person you've known most of your life.
For those of you that have built friendships over the years, take the time to say thanks to a friend, they are truly hard to find and when you have one, tough times and circumstances and your ability to bounce back is a test of a good friendship.