Those to whom I Raise a Glass

The passing of my closest buddy has given me ample time to think about friends specifically – and people in general. And ultimately about those I prefer to spend my time with (at work or otherwise) and share my thoughts with, exchange words and tidings with, and simply be with.

I will go ahead and list those qualities I love about the people I love most:

1) rugged individualism – this is a chief requirement. And with it comes…

2) contempt for authority – in particular a complete distrust of The Man

3) unwavering honesty – towards others and in particular regarding the self.

4) self-knowledge – of own blind-spots / shortcomings

5) awareness – that there is more to this than meets the eye

6) humility about self – resolve to become a better spirit

6) consistency / predictability

7) calmness & resilience – in the face of adversity

humor – especially of the sardonic variety

9) mercy – being able to stand in someone else’s shoes

10) love – and the ability to express it

11) demonstrable expertise in line of work

12) not afraid to make enemies

13) willing to die – literally – for what is right

14) opinionated – everyone has an asshole for a reason – those without assholes can be said to be full of shit

15) loyal & dependable

16) non-partisan – I don’t care from where on the spectrum they see the world, as long as they can step away from party-ism and discuss/debate/teach/learn – and step away from the game within The Game

17) interesting – not quite right in the head

I am truly blessed to have some very wonderful friends – both off-line and online – who each day reinforce my belief that Christ Himself is present in many people to some degree or another – if only we take the time to recognize and greet Him when we find reflections of Him in others.