There is an old saying "true friends are like diamonds precious and rare false are like autumn leaves found everywhere ". I am blessed with some long term friendships, amongst them a variety of deeper relationships.

I have noted how many people live in circumstances where they don’t have opportunities to socialize. It’s often said New Zealand is a country where everyone knows someone yet I know many people who don’t make enduring connections. In some circumstances “life” is just not a happening thing. I feel strongly about building a truly inclusive open society where people genuinely meet and greet people just as they are. There are well meaning groups which aim to enrich the life experience for some by helping them meet others of compatible disposition. For decades I have worked closely with people many of whom look and act differently, few of whom have in-depth personal relationships. The sad thing is the system seems not to care!

We need more than clubs and organizations with programmers or opportunities.

What's required is practical help to bridge the communication gap and over come the many aspects of dysfunction, prejudice, distortion, bigotry and disconnection which are conveniently masked in our modern world.

At a one to one level we need to encourage each other to seek and take opportunities. We must :-

• Build self esteem
• Foster confidence
• Stimulate communication
• Encourage & motivate

I'm not simply on some popular Politically Correct rhetorical band wagon. I believe it's essential for us to connect at the fringe of society, making sure all citizens are accepted and included, regardless of ability or disposition.

Many people don’t look attractive from the outside. Clothing and grooming may be less than fashionable so misconceptions abound and people just don't connect ….

When someone dresses differently on cultural grounds people stand back. If people use language we don’t recognize or understand we often tend to think them different. Sometimes people know in their heart and head what they want to say but the words come out wrong. Some people feel ashamed and underachieve because they cant express themselves in conversation or on paper.

Ethnicity and cultural aspects of modern living add flavor to our world but can become the things which hold people apart from one and other.

Its easy to use words saying something grand to impress but in my inclusive and cosmopolitan utopia they must mean something.

In New Zealand we have:-

• Poor people who struggle to smile at each new day
• Persons who society disables by enforced expectation
• Individuals who are as different as they look
• People who simply want to love and be loved

I have a strong personal faith and believe in the power of a positive mental attitude. Some years ago the classic inspirational book "Power Of Positive Thinking" by the late Rev Dr Norman Vincent Peal impacted my life and amongst other things showed me how to think with purpose. Basically I discovered how to lift my heart and mind above the hum drum of defeatism, negativism and procrastination. By applying self help positive thinking strategies to my life, I discovered living had meaning and purpose. I found common ground and acceptance in the Church family. I soon discovered, when we share an interest, belief or experience there is common ground upon which to grow a friendship. Making connections and feeling good about other people requires a blend of emotion and energy. Being a friend requires an investment of intellect and imagination.

“Friend” is a word which says much without anything else being required.…. I am appreciative of and thankful for my friends.