Hi Friend
I am loving the summer so far! It’s been a great mix of weather, activities and work. This week I had the bonus of my son coming to town. Getting to have him and my daughter together is such a fabulous encounter! They are both dynamic humans with distinct personalities that unleash joy in my soul.
Monica and I were back with the Regional Food Bank this week continuing our Culture Refresh work. It is a slow process and somewhat tedious, but that’s what gives the end result it’s legitimacy. The big news from this week however, is that I won a lifetime achievement award for being a friend!
My friend David McLaughlin has been posting “MACCY Awards” for a long time. He’s a list maker. He does an annual list of his top movies, songs, albums, podcasts etc… It’s not like the Top 10. I think he does like the Top 100 or 50 or something. It’s excessive and awesome.
This past winter he had the idea to start a list of his close friends who have mattered a lot to him. He started with those who have meant the most to him throughout different seasons of his life. He created a “Hall of Fame” inaugural list who are deemed “Lifetime Friends.”
Then he hosted us all at a steakhouse in downtown OKC. It.Was.Amazing!
What Makes a Friend?
One of the other MACCY Friends said it best “Who does this?” Obviously David is a unique character with an enormous amount of intentionality and generosity. We got swag. He flew a couple winners in. He honored each of us with why we were chosen. It was incredibly special.
Friendship exists for three reasons:
Proximity
This is most obvious from school. From elementary through high school we had a small selection of characters with whom we spent our days. We needed to find one or two to have someone to go out to recess with or sit at lunch with or have some place to spend the night on the weekends.
The same is true at work. Some of those we’ve been close to drifted from our lives when we changed jobs. Some of those we’re currently tight with is a result of spending lots of time together in a close space.
Pleasure
Some people remain in our life because we enjoy similar activities or hobbies. There are association and organizations that keep people connected. From adult soccer leagues to running clubs to book clubs to poker nights, etc. When we find people who like something that brings us delight, we tend to enjoy their company.
Purpose
Of course being connected with individuals who share our sense of mission is the strongest bond. Finding those who believe in the same principles and priorities we do is a strengthening boost to our consistency. Whether spiritual, social, family, environmental, political, etc… joining with like-hearted people creates a positivity loop that encourages and fuels us.
When we find human beings who align with all 3 P’s, we nurture close, long-lasting friendships. There’s a synchronicity that emanates between souls that is meaningful.
Instigating Ideas
1. Let a friend know how important they are to you.
2. Consider who your lifetime friends are.
3. Go be a good friend to someone this week!
David and I are wired similarly when it comes to friends. We both want the people in our life to be in our life forever. We both are sad when we realize some friendships are just for a season.
I used to think I could only have one “Best Friend” because, well they were the best. I’ve realized, and been fortunate, to have a handful of Friends-Who-Are-The-Best. I think David referred to us all as his “greatest friends” which I like a lot.
Be a Great Friend!
Intentionally caring about others and honoring them, certainly inspires me. I both want to be worthy of that kind of friendship and offer it as well. Don’t you?
I hope this week you go out of your way to honor one of your great friends in an unsuspecting, over-the-top way. It’s magical.