The Secret Ingredient to a Meaningful Friendship

A meaningful friendship is one of the most precious gifts to be found. I treasure my close friends—those who:

• Are there when other's walk out
• Help me grow
• Love me in spite of my issues
• Make me laugh and let me cry
• Have the ability to really listen

The need to be fully heard, known, and accepted is the greatest need we each search for in a friend. It all begins with the secret ingredient of being able to really listen so that a person feels heard. These kinds of friends are hard to find.You know what I'm talking about—that feeling that someone has really, really listened. You feel safe, known, loved, validated, and cushioned against the storms of life. These are the kinds of friends we long for.

You know you have a meaningful friendship when silence becomes a satisfying part of the language in your relationship. Some friendships grow into this satisfying silence, and some don't. It takes time—lots of time. But it does happen. And that's when you know you have arrived. Treasure that friend.So that's my little bit of input into your busy life today. I've not always been the best listener, but I'm learning. And my friends appreciate it. How about you? What have you discovered to be important in a meaningful friendship? I'd love to have your input.Growing with you, Susan"Jesus likes it when we share." -Adelaide, age 3: Pass this along to everybody and their brother. OK, maybe not everybody's brother, but all of your friends would be nice.Related posts:How to Recognize a Soul Friend in a Facebook WorldSeven Signs of a Healthy FriendshipMinistry Today published one of my articles, Do You Know Kingdom Speak? How to Identify God Talk vs. Serpent Talk, a few years ago. I think you'll find it helpful.Sponsor: