We found ourselves singing together this weekend, playfully belting at the top of our lungs... “Everyone needs a little holiday... a time away... from each other...” Right after that came creative renditions from the Carpenters and Captain and Tennille. You can thank me. I will spare you.
In each of those moments, no less, when we do take that break, find the time away, and invest in the activities that refresh the soul, I find the benefit exponentially increased when shared with “real friends.”
Not just those who know your name, but those who will jump in the trenches with you... those who are loyal... those who laugh with you at the silly, yet still take time to reflect on the serious... who will love you no matter what... and who fear not to share truth with you... even when it hurts.
Sharing the hurt is often the paver of the road to authenticity - real friendship. When words from friends hurt, will you walk away? Will you think your friend is messed up or mixed up or should not hold as high of status as they actually do in your life? Will you dismiss his or her words simply because you do not like what they say? Or will you realize that the transparency of the words provides proof of a relationship that’s real?
I polled a few friends this past Saturday at our annual weekend getaway. Each year we plan a small break from our families, blogs, and the stresses prompted by life’s daily routines. It is time cherished... time that refreshes the soul... time that strengthens the other relationships in my life. So yesterday I asked the following: “Why do you enjoy this weekend? What is it about this weekend that propels you forward?”
“...we get a break...”
“...we can focus on each other...”
“...no one cares about our imperfections...”
“...we are real...”
Adding to the silly, the only real pressure, one may conclude, comes from the digestive tract. No attempt to be crude... just sharing from my weekend... laughing, playing, eating too much... trying to be real.
Truth is, everyone needs a little holiday... a time away... WITH each other.
AR
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1 comment:
I just finished reading “My Stroke of Insight” by Dr. Jill Taylor and your blog today highlights my new insight. What I learned to use professionally to help people spiritually and emotionally, she helps me understand scientifically and you gave another practical application this weekend.
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