Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett

Today I read a book. It wasn't from Oprah's book club or the latest top seller's list; It wasn't even a book in a reading club or suggested by a friend, colleague, or confidant; it was a children's book. Plain and simple! it came complete with illustrations and short text as well.  

Extra Yarn is an extraordinary children's story that cannot be retold without the illustrations; so google it at minimum or stop by your local book store for the full effect. The story narrates a young girl who essentially yarns everyone she meets and her town. It's amazing that her yarn is never-ending. It's mystifying that this box filled with yarn found her specifically and she never tires or bores with it's simplistic activity. It's eye opening how she stunts the town and all it's people by adding color to there typical black and white; not just in how they dress- but how they live as well.

So why was I reading this book?! Welp, I was told this girl was much like me with her box of yarn.  More specifically that her yarn so easily resembled friendship, which is an art I selectively craft. With this idea- she cloaks her friendship upon others in her neighborhood, school, and community. Those who seek her are turned away- due to their ill intentions and overall being ill hearted. Even those who are skeptical or jealous are privy to her giving.

In the most simplistic sense- isn't it giving that leads to friendship. Not just the giving of material things but givings of oneself: time, advice, love, care, concern, and affection. It is these things that make friendship different from partnership; but how often is this forgotten?

 So I challenge you to reflect in yours friendships. Are you really being a friend? Or more like an associate- which is another word often used in the business world? I challenge you to be active in your friendship. True enough not all friendships require lots of time or activity-but they all do require care and attention. Are you neglecting your friends? Are you falsely claiming others as friend or they you when in reality the "-ship" you are in is so far from?

How interesting the label friend is used: in kindergarten friendship was earned because the girl next to me wanted to swing at recess. In high school friendship was earned because she kept my secret. In college, she was a friend because she didn't judge my actions while enduring growing pains. But now she earned it because________ (fill in the blank)..and go be a friend!