The past weeks I’ve been catching up with friends. This time of year I’m guaranteed to hear from those I generally don’t see in person. I look forward to the photocards, emails and letters on what is happening in their lives. This holiday is a combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas faith/cheer. I celebrate my faith and I give thanks for the gift of friendship. I was never blessed with a silver spoon but God saw fit to bless me with friends and family who never cease to amaze me in their love and support of me.
You are stuck with family members (good and bad), but friends pick you. I am honored to have a circle of friends that strengthen, encourage and help keep me sane. I particularly appreciate the ones that tell me the truth about myself, even though it isn’t what I may want to hear at the time. For me, true friendship is being able to share the hard things (i.e. you crossed the line, do you think that was a good decision, I’m willing to help you but you have to put some skin on the line too).
I am blessed because people with no blood relation to me have opened their homes, hearts and lives to me. For me there is no greater gift. Now let’s not make it seem like I don’t like shiny boxes wrapped in ribbon. Those things are nice, but the value of friendship tried and true is best summed up in a poem, New Friends and Old Friends. I’m grateful to have the stuff made of gold.
Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold. New-made friendships, like new wine, Age will mellow and refine. Friendships that have stood the test-- Time and change--are surely best; Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray, Friendship never knows decay. For 'mid old friends, tried and true, Once more we our youth renew. But old friends, alas! may die, New friends must their place supply. Cherish friendship in your breast-- New is good, but old is best; Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold.
Ronda is an attorney, writer, and entrepreneur. She is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in Los Angeles and New York. She loves to travel and is passionate about education equity, especially for first generation college students.