The Gift of Friendship

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."

~ Meister Eckhart

I have much for which to give thanks….

Last night, I brought Reb to see the movie "Breaking Dawn" (it was so good that I now have to read the novel...isn't there an age limit for reading teen novels?).  We had a wonderful evening together (she might have another opinion of the evening since she is a teenager!) seeing the movie, doing some Christmas shopping, laughing, singing Christmas songs, and more laughing.   We ended the evening with a partial episode of One Tree Hill (great…another television show for me to get hooked on!).  

This morning, another splendid time was spent with friends.   I went to the Farmers’ Market with BFF and Reb (BFF’s name was picked in the draw for an organic turkey…Winner/Gagnant!) then BFF and I did some Christmas shopping, we laughed, we sang, then we ended our morning by doing the groceries (good times!).  I came home, finished my weekly chores then wrapped some gifts and put them under the tree.  Then I sat down with a cup of tea and my laptop and started writing this weekend’s blog post.  

After writing for a half hour or so, I took a break (short attention span!) to explore Facebook and stumbled upon the quote from Meister Eckhart which was posted on Paulo Coehlo’s FB page (yes, we’re friends…ahem!).   That got me thinking (lucky you!) about my "thank you" prayers so I’ve shifted gears and am now writing this blog post - an additional blog post for this weekend (yes, that’s right…two blog posts in one weekend!).  

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Sarah’s coming home today!!!

Having so much to be grateful for in my life inspired me to write this blog post about the wonderful friends I've been blessed with in my life (that includes my family!) so I dedicate today’s “thank you” prayer to friendship by sharing a passage from one of my favourite books:  The Prophet by Khalil Gibran (yes, again!).   

On Friendship

By Khalil Gibran

Your friend is your needs answered.

He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.

And he is your board and your fireside.

For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay."

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not;

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.

If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.

For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?

Seek him always with hours to live.

For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.