Friendship "Zach"

The questions I've been pondering about friendship have really become important questions for me.  And I believe yours and my answers to these questions can really help us discover and determine who are real friends are... or at least who we should allow into that inner circle.  The infamous "circle of trust" that we hear talked about on "Meet The Parents."  This next guy I want to introduce you to has alot of qualities I look for in a friend.  However when it comes to the questions on friendship that I have been asking this particular question makes me think of Zach Sikora.  The question is: "Who in your life, when you are not around and someone is speaking against your character, will stick up for you when no one else will.  Let me just say, I see this all the time.  It's amazing how open people get when the people they are talking about are not around.  It has always impressed me to see people stick up for those who are not there.  Those who are being talked about.  They stand up for their friend and their friends character and that to me is HUGE.  Zach is like that.  As a matter fact the story goes like this:  Zach and Liz[his wife] were out for dinner and someone who knew Natalie and I came up to them and started saying things that were not true about us and attacking our character.  I believe it was Zach who quickly let that person know that not only is their information inaccurate but did not appreciate the things they were saying!  WOW.  That is awesome and that really made me feel good to know my friend had my back.  That is a true friend.  People are always going to talk behind your back but few people will make waves and correct the gossip.  When you find someone who will do that you have found a true friend.  That is courage and respect and I would return the favor for Zach in a heartbeat.  Zach, thanks for always being there to talk and for caring enough to know me in such a way that when someone speaks against my character you have the courage to respond to them.  Love you bro and praying for you.  Your a true friend.

Friendship "Jason"

The third question about friendship I want to respond to is: "Who in your life is more concerned about what is best for you instead of what is best for them?"  I have a lot of friends that stand out when it comes to this question but I thought of one guy in particular that I want to take a moment and tell you about.  His name is Jason Sfire and we have been friends for about two years.  Something I have noticed about our friendship is how Jason always puts my needs before his.  I can't tell you how many times I have needed him to just drop something and come help me out.  Even in the midst of what he needed to do he dropped what he was doing and put me before himself.  It seems like he puts my well being before his own or at least as important as his own.  Without fail, I know that if I need something I can call Jason and he will be there.  I believe what makes this friendship trait effective is selflessness.  When it comes to our friendship Jason responds in a selfless way.  Rarely is he asking the question what is in it for me but he is simply being there as a friend.  That is awesome.  Jason, I have continued to say thank you for the things you have done and the way your friendship has impacted my life but I will never be able to thank you enough.  You are a true friend and I want you to know I will always be there to put your needs above my own... Thanks again and I love you bro.

Friendship "My Dad"

Ok so I didn't keep up with this each day this week but I want to continue answering these questions on friendship by using people in my life that I feel are the living answers to these questions.  The second question on friendship was "Who in your life is there for you no matter what and will always be there even if they don't agree with your life decisions?"  I know this will sound pretty lame but to me it is so true.  My dad [and Mom] totally fulfill this role in my life.  When I was growing up my parents were clearly my parents.  Not like parents today who try to be friends with their kids.  My mom and dad were my mom and dad.  However as I've grown up my dad and I have become friends.  He was my best man in my wedding and I will always consider him one of my best friends.  Having said that, he has not always agreed with the decisions I make.  Doesn't mean he doesn't love me or isn't proud of me just means he doesn't always agree.  I remember the time I was leading a youth service and I farted in the microphone... It got alot of laughs from the kids in my group but my dad was sitting in that night and did not think that was funny or wise.  But he loved me through it.  That is huge.  I know as a parent that is expected but I also see that quality in him as a friend. What it boils down to is trust.  My dad trusts in the person I am therefore he is trusting that even when I make a discision he doesn't completely agree with he trusts me enough to support me in the midst of it. Dad, you will never know how much I love you and how huge of a hero you are in my life.  Thanks for supporting me and being there for me even when you didn't always agree with my choices.  I love you dad.

Friendship "Mike"

I decided to take this week and share some thoughts on friendship. I am going to answer 6 questions on friendship by using some of my friends as examples. The first question I asked was, "Who in your life celebrates your success's even when they are experiencing something different?" When I think about this question and who in my life is really good at this I think of my friend Mike Fredieu. Talk about a true friend! I can honestly say that every time I experienced something awesome in my life, even though he may not have liked the place he was at in life, or wished the same thing was happening to him, he was always able to celebrate with me. He genuinely was excited that good things were happening for me. He has always been like that. I would consider a Mike a true friend for many reason's but one thing that really sticks out in my mind about him is simply how much he enjoys seeing me succeed. That is hard to find and I truly value that in our friendship. I may not tell you often enough Mike, but thank you for being a true friend and know that I will always respond the same way. Thanks my friend!

"Friendship"

Just thought I would take some time this week and highlight a few friends of mine.  The reason I decided to do this is because lately I'm really discovering who my "true" freinds are.  As I discover that truth I am also aware of some characteristics that make them "true" friends.  Each friend brings to the table different characteristics of friendship that I have been learning a lot from.  In the process of discovering who my "friends" are I am discovering those who really are not my "friends."  I have always given people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to relationship but I honestly believe that in and of itself may be foolish when it comes to those you "let in" to that inner circle.  Here are some questions I'm asking:

1.  Who in your life celebrates your success's even when they are experiencing something different?

2. Who in your life is there for you no matter what and will always be there even if they don't agree with your "life" decisions.

3.  Who in your life will be honest with you even when you don't want to hear it. [But still give you the freedom to make your own choices]

4.  Who in your life is more concerned about what is best for you instead of what is best for them?

5.  Who in your life when you are not around and someone is speaking against your character will stick up for you when no one else will?

6.  Who in your life understands your weaknesses and still calls you friend?

These are just a few questions I have been pondering and over this week would like to answer each of those questions with someone in my life who seems to be that kind of friend.  Doesn't mean that is the only trait they have just means it's one they are really good at.  Friendship is important and for me it's something I have taken way to lightly...  

So over the next few days let me introduce you to some "Friends" of mine.

Just a fun tribute to moms out there and a huge thank you to my wife who is one of the greatest moms I know.  Alexia and Cayden you are very blessed to have a mom like your mom.