Valuing family and friendships in the new year

“Family and friendships are two of the greatest facilitators of happiness.” — John C. Maxwell

This feels like the first week in the New Year to me. As the Ratana Celebrations come to an end and the Chinese Year of the Rat begins, what rich and wonderful cultures we have here in New Zealand and how great is it that most of us are willing to get to know and celebrate different cultures.

I watched a programme on TV1 where children from different families had playdates. Four children in England, one

Catholic boy, a Muslim girl from Africa and twin boys, one with Down Syndrome, all shared three play dates at each other’s homes. Watching them getting to know each other was fascinating. Priceless comments like Christian prayers were quick compared to the prayers of the Muslim family, and when they sat on the floor to share the African meal a shout of “Hakuna Matata”. At the end of the three visits, the children wanted to meet again, and they had in many ways become friends. As Wanda Hope Carter — an inspirational author, artist, graphic designer, photographer, website builder, network blogger and political activist said, “Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches”.

As school goes back, young people heading away to new training or jobs, maybe a move to a new town or even overseas, I think it is especially important to hold on to our families and friends across the distance and busyness ahead.

The Angels encourage us to treat our families like friends and our friends like families. By doing something for someone else the way they would have liked it done or choose to stay by their side no matter what situations come your way. By praising positive attributes and listening to those you love showing their opinions matter and they are important. By not taking advantage of our loved ones and expressing how much we appreciate what they do.

If we give more than we take, we show that we are in their lives for all the right reasons because our friends and family members know the song in our hearts and can sing it for us if we have forgotten the words.

Remember to facilitate happiness and tell family and friends how much we love them no matter what they do. Arohanui.