Friends

October 13, 2024
 
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius
Here’s a regret in my life.  I wish I had made more friends throughout my life.  Now that I’m getting older, some of my friends are beginning to die off.  It’s a fact of life I’ve been grappling with.  So, the fact of the matter is, either get new replacement friends, or live with fewer friends.
 
Mankind is a social animal and being part of the species, I need friends.  Don’t get me wrong.  I cherish my alone time, when my brain is in full neutral with no noise of interruption to distract my enjoyment of nothingness.  (Is that a word?)  But occasionally, a friend is good to have around to kick you once in a while.  Just to make certain you’re alive.
 
Here’s how I roll.  You’re my friend until you prove otherwise.  Don’t lecture me about forgiveness.  I’m the most forgiving person I know.  But if the donkey kicks me the first time, it’s the donkey’s fault.  If he kicks me the second time, it’s my fault.  I learned that in the cow barn, when Dad was milking cows.  I always gave those big girls a wide berth when walking behind them.  There were two reasons for the grace of the wide berth.  Number one, so you didn’t get kicked.  Number two, well, let’s just say it’s not wise to stand behind any animal, besides the fear of getting kicked. 😊
 
How do you make friends?  First of all, know their name.  People like to hear their name in a sentence.  “Well, George, it’s so good to meet you…”  Ask about their family.  People like to tell others about their family.  Pretty soon, you’ve got a good conversation going.  Try it.  You just might make a new friend.
 
Sometimes, I’m a little more direct.  Maybe it’s the evangelist in me.
 
“Hi. What’s your name?”
“Where are you from?”
“What do you do?”
“Where do you go to church?”
 
Don’t be a stranger,
Pastor Allan
 
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