We all need friends, don’t we? We also need to be a friend. What does it mean to be a friend? It’s an important thing for all of us to learn, especially as educators.
It’s ironic though, that this skill we need to learn isn’t something we typically teach.
"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything." — Muhammad Ali
Mom gave me a banner when I was young that hung in my room for many years. It was placed on a wall where I read it often, helping me remember the key message. She knew the importance of memorizing life-shaping verses to shape one's thinking. Our attitude and faith are greatly influenced by what regularly goes into our minds.
That banner had colorful smiley faces scattered across the canvas and this poem:
"Begin the day with friendliness, Keep friendly all day long
Keep in your heart a friendly song, in your heart a happy song
Have in your mind a word of cheer for all who come your way
And they will greet you, too, in turn, and wish you a happy day."
Reading those words every day certainly influenced my attitude and relationships.
Across the top of the banner was this verse:
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." — Proverbs 17:17
Learning how to be a friend is a vital skill for everyone, especially for educators.
We need friends. We need to be a friend.
Friends know the real us and still like and support us anyway.
Friends overlook our messes and even help us clean them up.
Friends celebrate good times and provide support during tough times.
Friends increase our sense of belonging and purpose.
Friends boost our happiness and confidence, encouraging us to be our best.
Friends listen and truly understand us.
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."
— Walter Winchell
Healthy schools have a strong sense of friendship among educators at all levels.
These trusted relationships provide the support and endurance we need to thrive through all of the difficulties that come with the ups and downs of school life.
We give each other motivation, bring out the best in each, and help sustain the joy.
That's why it's so important, today, this week and every day, to Love Like a Friend always ready with a smile and word of cheer.
