This morning as I cleaned out a cubbie in my nightstand I found a buried 
treasure that hadn’t seen the light of day for eighteen months. It was a gift that shrouded the day. It is tattered and worn (kinda like me). I have carried and caressed it for 38 years, cried with it, laughed with it, and found a heap load of solace in it.
It is my all-time favorite book, The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran. While it would be impossible to summarize, I’ve chosen one passage that reflects my feelings for you, my fellow readers. It is on friendship.
Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.
When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, nor do you withhold the “ay.”
And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.
And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness,
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.
Amongst my many passions in life, reading is near the top of the list. Just the smell of a good book brings a smile to my face.
Over time we’ve shared lists of books that we have enjoyed. I’m asking you to give me the title of that ONE book that you literally couldn’t part with—that you’ve underlined, spilled coffee on, accidentally dripped wax on the cover, and treasure. No one-time reads need be included here. I’m asking you for a book that’s part and parcel of your soul!
Thanks for your friendship. I learn a lot from you!
With love,
Dar
May 26th, 2010 at 11:25 am
aahhhh.. that passage is refreshing. I must find that book next.
My repeated read is As a Man Thinketh.
.-= Paul Klaszus´s last blog ..The Number One Phrase I Use to Push Through Anything to Accomplish Everything =-.
May 26th, 2010 at 11:41 am
What a beautiful post from such a beautiful lady! As for a book, it’s really hard for me to pick just one, as I too am an avid book lover. But since your assignment was to pick one, I choose Stand Up For Your Life by Cheryl Richardson. There were so many things in that book that helped liberate my mind, I’ll always be grateful. Love you, my friend!
.-= Debbie Stevens´s last blog ..The Picture of Success =-.
May 26th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Darlene
My most recent favorite it How To Be Wildly Wealthy Fast by Sandy Forster. Although it sounds very materialistic it is really about finding what makes your heart sign and go for it. It is the book that put me on my online journey and very much in line with what Jodie and Kimberly teach at Profit Being You
.-= belinda cunningham´s last blog ..How To Become A Strong Leader =-.
May 26th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Hi Darlene,
Thank for sharing this great post with us. I love to connect with a deep reading that you can sink your teeth and mind into. I will have to add this book to my list. For me the most read and underlined, written on book is my Bible. I refer to it on a daily basis for inspiration, direction, and wisdom. Besides that book, The Power of Now is one that I have read a couple of times.
Thanks again for sharing this with us.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
.-= Edward´s last blog ..Everything You Create Or Acquire Begins In The Form Of Desire… =-.
May 26th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Ah Darlene~
That is beautiful! I can see why you love this book so much, you are truly a living example of the page that you shared! A beautiful friend! I wish I had your skills to express how this passage makes me feel. I’ve only known you for less than a year and I feel your love everyday. Thank you for your friendship!
A book that sticks out in my mind is “tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom. It is a fabulous book and I think part of the reason it meant so much to me was because I was going downhill fast with MS. (thank goodness it’s now in remission) At that time I didn’t know what my future had in store. (I realize no one ever does.) I identified with this touching story.
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May 28th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Fantastic book Darlene and thanks for reminding me to take it off the shelf again. I love books that people have written about their adventures. My favorite is by a guy named Yossi Ghinsberg with the book entitled Heart of the Amazon. Its a spectacular story and makes me want to travel
Cheers,
Matt
.-= Matt Jones´s last blog ..Miracle In The Making =-.
May 28th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Beautiful post Dar, there’s so much passion in those words. The book that I’d like to share is ‘Welcome Home’. It’s one of a sequence of books, all of which are amazing, and had me glued to every page. These books are by ‘Steve Rother & The Group’. ‘The Group’ being channeled entities, just as ‘Abraham’ is to ‘Jerry & Ester Hicks’.
These books gave me belief, direction, understanding and a purpose.
Thanks for sharing such a thought provoking post.
I feel blessed to know you.
Toni
June 8th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Aloha Dar, enjoyed reading about your passion for books and very inspiration expressions. Thanks for sharing! Lani
Ps…came across your info., from Angela’s blog, glad I did. Come by my site anytime and drop me a sweet note or tweet. Mahalo
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