Most people let
friendship happen to them. They choose friends by who happens to be around
them, letting close proximity become the most important selection factor for
friends. Never looking outside those nearby, they become friends with the ones
they like the best (or dislike the least).
It was the kids on
our street or in our classes at school. Now it's the people who sit next to us
at work or whose kids are on the same sports teams (sitting next to us on the
bleachers every weekend).
Instead, I urge you
to ignore proximity as much as possible. Choose the best people you know in the
world, regardless of whether they are within easy reach. Technology makes
connecting over distances easier than ever. (I've used Skype and internet based
phone numbers to share life with people literally on the other side of the
planet. You can even watch shows and play games in real time from anywhere in
the world.)
Recently, I was able
talk deeply, laugh, and pray with three great friends--one from Texas, another
from Colorado, and the other who lives in China. I spend more time talking with
them than a lot of the people physically near me. Proximity isn't bad, though.
I do have close friends who live near me, but it wasn't their nearness that put
them on my radar for serious friendship.
Even with
technology, is it convenient to stay close to awesome, but distant friends? No.
But it's worth it.
Don't underestimate
the impact of your friends on your life. Few things can match the significance
of your friends on your attitudes, choices, and accomplishments (and almost
nothing can top it). And if you really want to have an exceptional life, you need
exceptionally good friends--no matter where they live.
What great friends
have you lost touch with over the years? When will you email/call/message them
to reconnect?
You are so right about Skype! Being able to get 1 one 1, face to face, and spend quality time together is important. One benefit of the closer friends is that the real ones will be there for you when you need them. My best friend in the whole wide world is my wife! And I love it that way.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Some friendships (the really true ones) have a special quality that makes it so that no matter how long it's been since you've talked, you still feel as close as ever.
DeleteAlso, my wife's my best friend, too. Nothing beats having a super hot best friend! ;)
I completely agree. Some of my best friendships are the long distance ones because, as they say: out of sight, out of mind! I see so little room for conflict in that scenario!
ReplyDelete:) True, but sometimes the best learning comes on the other side of conflict (if you can resolve it well).
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