“Some People Add Something to Life—we enjoy them.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell (2017-03-07) from his book, Encouragement Changes Everything: Bless and Be Blessed (Kindle Location 394). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

That’s a very good thought.  I’m sure you would like people to enjoy you, wouldn’t you?

John says, “Many people in this world desire to help others. These people are adders. They make the lives of others more pleasant and enjoyable. Evangelist John Wesley advised people to . . . do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.  Wesley was an adder.”

John then says, “People who add value to others almost always do so intentionally. I say that because adding value to others requires a person to give of himself, and that rarely occurs by accident. I have endeavored to become an adder. I like people and I want to help them. I make it my goal to be a friend.”

He goes on, “Recently the CEO of a large corporation invited me to speak on leadership for his organization. After teaching his executives and conducting sessions for his managers, I had gained enough credibility with him that he wanted to do something nice for me.

“‘John, I like what you’ve done for us,’ he said as we sat one day in his office. ‘Now, what can I do for you?’

“‘Nothing,’ I replied. ‘You don’t need to do anything for me.’

“The corporation had, of course, paid me for the times I had spoken, and I had really enjoyed the experience. His people were sharp and eager to learn.

“‘Oh, come on,’ he said. ‘Everybody wants something. What do you want?’

“‘Look, doesn’t everybody need an easy friend? Somebody who doesn’t want anything?’ I answered, looking him in the eye. ‘I just want to be an easy friend.’

“He chuckled and said, ‘Okay, you’ll be my easy friend.’

“And that’s who I have endeavored to be. Author Frank Tyger says, ‘Friendship consists of a willing ear, an understanding heart and a helping hand.’ That’s what I’m trying to give my friend.”

So, are you an easy friend to someone?