Here’s a story about what kind of friends we should try to find and keep. Learn how a bear can teach the kind of friend you want to find…
The Story
TWO MEN were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly met them on their path. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches. The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could. The Bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch a dead body. When he was quite gone, the other Traveler descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the Bear had whispered in his ear. “He gave me this advice,” his companion replied. “Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger.”
How Many Good Friends Do You Have?
If a bear approached, would your friend climb a tree and leave you behind? I’m sure you can name a few “friends” who would be up that tree faster than the blink of an eye. But if you think really hard, I imagine you can come up with one or two names of true friends who would be there with you. One who would lay beside you when that bear came.
This story reminds me of a scene from the movie, Without A Paddle. When approached by a bear, Jerry (Matthew Lillard) starts to untie his shoes. Dan (Seth Green) asks him what he’s doing. Jerry responds that he’s taking off his shoes. When Dan asks why, Jerry responds that he runs faster without his shoes. Dan says, “You can’t outrun that bear.” Jerry quickly responds, “I don’t have to outrun the bear. I just have to outrun you.” That cracks me up every time, but I wouldn’t want to hear that from one of my “friends.”
The Takeaway
No, not every one of your friends needs to stay by your side when a bear attacks or a tough situation arises. But the ones who will are the ones you want to spend most of your time with and value them. Life is going to throw tough situations your way. You want a friend who will be by your side when this happens, not one who runs away. Yes, you can be friends with someone you know will run away, but I wouldn’t suggest spending all of your time with them. You deserve better, so find some friends who will stand by your side and spend most of your time with them.
Here is a clip to the scene from Without a Paddle if you wanted to check it out: