Forming friendships or associations with others must be done with great care. That is because friendship is not about what you can get but what you can give without lessening that which you possess yourself.
There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “A friend is one to whom we may pour out the contents of our hearts, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.”
Your friends or associates will play an important role in your life. Much of your success or failure depends on them to a certain degree because of their example, wisdom, achievements, or influence over you.
Your choice of associates will determine whether you advance in life or stand still, which is the same as going backwards. Select from those with a strong belief system, who generate hope and confidence, who are goal-oriented, who contribute to society, and whom you can trust.
This week think: I accept what an important role my friends and associates will play in my life through their positive or negative influence whether well-meaning or not. I need to choose those who will encourage my efforts, reinforce my confidence and raise me to higher levels.
I will be careful with whom I associate to ensure I am progressing towards my goals with hope and choose only those who will strengthen my beliefs.
