Three Ways to Make a Friend Last…April 23, 2015

 

  Jonathots Daily Blog

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Merely relying on affection to maintain a relationship will exhaust the closeness.

It takes more than that.

For after all, human passion ebbs and flows. If you want to make sure the person you care deeply for is around for a long time, you need to instill values that incite longevity.

1. Remember what your friend says and likes.

The quickest way to terminate a relationship is to stop listening to the preferences of your acquaintance. People make it clear what they like. People make it clear that they want to be heard. If you’re aware of what people enjoy because you listen to what they say instead of assuming that you know better, you greatly increase the potential of maintaining good fellowship.

2. Remember to listen for a question before offering your opinion.

Sometimes people want to vent, not hear your sermon. A sounding board does not require a microphone. In other words, often in a friendship you are a pair of ears which purposely has closed up your mouth.

Only when people ask a question and inquire of your insight should you offer an opinion.

This is why our children can never be our friends. We must instruct them even when they don’t want to hear what we have to say. But our friends are not our children. We must grant them the respect of asking instead of being told.

       3. Remember to forget.

One of the more beautiful parts of repentance is the ointment of forgetfulness that is served up to complete the healing. No one ever truly heals until they press ahead to new projects which take them further and further away from the pain.

A friend should always let you–or even help you–create distance from your latest stupidity.

Anyone who constantly reminds you of your failures or warns you to be careful all the time is taking you out of the best aspects of your game and sidelining you as second string.

But until we remember what our friend likes, to only offer an opinion when asked, and to forget the mistakes that have crossed the path, we will lurk as an adversary instead of an advocates. 

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Remembering…

February 27, 2013

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I love because it’s important and not easy

I am a father because children came along and needed someone to appear like he knew what he was doing

I am creative because repetition is the wallpaper of hell

I believe in God because sometimes a fruit basket is not enough to comfort my friends

I chase dreams to outrun the nightmares

I welcome strangers because they are related to God

I laugh more than I cry because tears are messy

I limp on ahead because my knees gave up too soon

I challenge others, hoping they will return the favor

I exhort because effort and excellence give me a thrill

I perform because I have not yet been adequately replaced

I keep traveling because the road, and need, never stop

I live and breathe because air is available, hopes are alive and God is patient

I die because the story continues with a new cast

I think, therefore … I’m remarkable

I remember why so I won’t judge this world by the present solitary moment

 

The producers of jonathots would humbly request a yearly subscription donation of $10 for this wonderful, inspirational opportunity