A Friend's Greeting

I'd like to be the sort of friend that
you have been to me;
I'd like to be the help that
you've been always glad to be;

I'd like to mean as much to you
each minute of the day
As you have meant, old friend of mine,
to me along the way.

I'd like to do the big things and
the splendid things for you,
To brush the gray from out your skies
and leave them only blue;

I'd like to say the kindly things that
I so oft have heard,
And feel that I could rouse your soul
the way that mine you've stirred.

I'd like to give you back the joy
that you have given me,
Yet that were wishing you a need
I hope will never be;

I'd like to make you feel as rich as I,
who travel on undaunted in the
darkest hours with you to
lean upon.

I'm wishing at this time that I
could but repay
A portion of the gladness that
you've strewn along my way;

And could I have one wish this year,
this only would it be:
I'd like to be the sort of friend
that you have been to me.

Good Thing To Do

Heal Others

When you recognise that someone is in pain what do you do? Do you feel for them? Do you say, "I feel your pain"? Do you identify with their pain? If you do, you are of little help to them. How can you help another if you are in pain too. Pain of course is not only physical. The pain we speak of here is mental and emotional pain. When someone gets upset or starts sharing their negative thoughts - they are in pain. Healing can only happen if they themselves realise their pain is self-inflicted. All you can do is be there for them - to listen - to accept - to empathise. By consuming their sorrow we only prolong their agony. What they need is the embrace of our non-judgmental attitude, the gift of our good wishes, the radiance of our unconditional love. Then they can heal themselves.