Today I had a really great conversation with a friend. It started out as just a normal conversation. We talked about life, told stories, shared experiences; and both of us allowed each other to ask deeper questions, and to speak to some pretty sensitive issues.
It was half scary, and half really enjoyable.
Through our conversation my friend began to see a pattern in some of my story that shined light on some areas that I had not seen before.
He chose to do something that was pretty daring.
Rather than letting it go, or avoiding a potentially uncomfortable conversation, he pointed it out to me. Not in a mean or judgmental way, he shared it carefully and in a kind manner.
I would love to tell you, when he presented it, I embraced it with a smile, and thanked him for his honesty. Instead, I met it with a little bit of defensiveness, and hesitancy.
I would like a little bit of credit that I did eventually come around though...
I love this passage Proverbs 27:6 "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy."
Please don't misunderstand, I'm not saying my friend "wounded" me. I am saying he had a conversation that wasn't flowery or complimentary, and I guess if there was any wounds, it was to my ego.
The part I want you to see is, this conversation was an example of kindness and love.
I want to encourage you, be in relationship with people who care enough about you to tell you the truth. Don't just surround yourself with people that only say what makes you feel good.
In the end, these types of honest conversations are what help us to grow, and move us forward.
It may sting, but it is so worth it!
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