Make a new friend this Valentine’s Day

“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.”

— Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

“Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.” I remember sitting in a circle holding hands with other Girl Scouts as we sang this song about friendship.

As a young girl, I didn’t fully understand the truth of these lyrics about friends. However, since those childhood days, I’ve embraced many God-given friendships. Like treasures of silver, gold and sparkling gemstones they have added brilliance to my life through mutual exchanges and helped me to be the person I am today.

I really enjoy and cherish many of my old near and dear friends. They’ve stood by me and provided support through many trials. The right friends will lift us up when our spirits are low. They provide encouragement, truth, and compassion to our weary souls.

Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some new people. These special people reached out to me. I’m glad they had the boldness to reach out and make new friends.

Oftentimes, we sit back and remain comfortable. We don’t recognize the need for letting anyone else into our inner circle, or making new acquaintances.

Friendship is not a one-way street. To make a friend, we must show ourselves friendly. We must practice being the kind of friend that we would like to have. Then, eventually, we can reap what we sow.

By showing ourselves as friendly, with a kind smile or an invitation, it gives us the opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

Jesus had 12 close friends and many other acquaintances. When he speaks to us about abundance in life, part of that is to have rich, meaningful relationships.

In today’s talk about investments, friendship is the best investment we can make. They can bring meaning to our lives that money can’t buy.

This Valentine’s Day, why not make a new friend?

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.