The Gift I’d Give to You

The greatest gift that I would give to you.

Following are three examples of the changes this gift produces in your life.

Ability to listen to friends more carefully.

A surface assessment of a conversation leads to a judgement that reflects our own prejudices. We paint internal images of others based on our own experiences and objectives. When friends surprise us, it is usually because we have the created a wrong impression of them.

Begin by watching what a friend does and whether or not it aligns with what they say. Actions speak louder than words because we verbally lie to ourselves and others incessantly. “I do what I say and I say what I do” applies to very few. Everyone is hiding something that they don’t want others to see.

When friends make an effort to engage in a conversation, I like to ask three follow-up questions. It typically takes three poignant questions to discover what is transpiring beneath the surface of their words.

Most friends don’t dare reveal their inner struggles to others. However, humans are symbiotic community animals. By sharing our struggles we develop the power to overcome and move forward. It is better to feel betrayed by a friend than to never have spoken to them in confidence.

Clarity to be opinionated but not emotionally attached.

Friends without opinions are boring.

“I don’t care where we go out to dinner. I don’t care which movie we see. I don’t know what is the best way to address that problem.”

Don’t lack engagement in 2025. Have an opinion. Make suggestions about what to do and express your preferences. However, don’t be disappointed if you don’t get your way. Enjoy what others might propose. Even if you have a principled and moral opinion, don’t become enraged when challenged.

Listen to others and evaluate your statements against their opinions openly.

Inspiration to tackle challenging scripture.

I read novels, historical accounts, biographies and even Substack articles for enjoyment. These sources often present alternate worldviews and tidbits of facts that I didn’t previously know. However, one-off ideas by contemporary peers rarely…