The great lesson…is that the sacred is in the ordinary, that it is to be found in one’s daily life, in one’s neighbors, friends, and family, in one’s back yard. – Abraham Maslow

If you have even one close friend in life, you are blessed.

Who can explain what it means to have a friend? Someone who knows you. Someone who cares. Someone who listens, or reaches out a hand, or helps you rally from defeat. Someone who’s glad you dropped by. Someone who will stand by you. A welcoming smile across the room. A bear hug. Shared stories, shared laughter, shared hopes and dreams, shared life and shared loss. The world is a far safer, brighter place with your friend in it. What does it mean to have a friend? Simply everything.

The best way to keep a friend? Be one.

One of your friends may be hurting, doubting, wondering, or struggling. One of them may be missing you. Tonight or tomorrow, pick up the phone and tell them you care about them. Tell them you miss them; or tell them you’re sorry. Arrange a visit. Make some tea or coffee, or enjoy a glass of wine. Take a walk or go for a run together. Enjoy the sun. Eat a popsicle. Feed the birds. Laugh, hug, cry, reminisce. You are both blessed.