June 7, 2011 Tuesday: 7th Week of Easter (A)

Friendships

from A Book of Courtesy: The Art of Living With Yourself and Others  by Sister Mary Mercedes, OP

The person who knows himself and his imperfections needs to be careful that it is not by his weaknesses that he attracts his friends, but by his strengths. Many men and women may be more popular than he is, and some of them deserve their popularity. Others have achieved popularity, however, without deserving it, because amiable weaknesses can seem more attractive than sterling worth. The popular individual may appear to be more fun than the disciplined professional or the serious person with a definite goal, but associating with him may not be constructive and may lead you into trouble.

In order to grow, friendships need loyalty, love, mutual consideration, and willingness to see the other's point of view. You choose your pleasures, your books, and your occupations, but you do not choose your friends; you only discover them. 

The knowledge of having a friend and of being one is the greatest blessing life affords. Perhaps no one can tell you how to make friends, since friends are born, not made; therefore, it is worthwhile to put forth your best effort to make yourself worthy of having good friends.