Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz" travelled with a company of friends: Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion. At the end of the story, each one of them received what they desired. For them, wisdom, love, and courage was "the kingdom of God" they longed after.

It is interesting to notice that those qualities didn't come to them from the outside. They weren't given to them as the result of some magic, because Oz had no magic abilities. Those qualities were already inside of our friends.

Their desires could be instantly fulfilled - if they could see themselves rightly. But before their adventure begun, our friends lived in a state of ignorance and misjudged themselves based on their appearances. However, an experience of travelling with Dorothy opened them to realization of their true nature. Challenges they had to go through unfolded their best qualities.

Outward self-expression lead us to greater inner awareness. When thoughtful, courageous, creative, and loving actions are required by our circumstances, we have better chances to discover our divine nature of wisdom, courage, creativity, and love. When we give, more is given back to us.

But let us move back from this story to our life. Who are our friends?

Usually we call friends those who are close to us, whom we regard with affection and trust. Yet, we often rob ourselves by making a circle of our friends too small. If we would behold the mystery of human relationships through God's eyes, we would realize that every person is our friend. It won't be an error to say that all people we meet are sent to us by God. When we are ready, we recognize that it is so.

There are no incidental people in our lives. Those who come to us can help us in some way, and we at the same time can help them. And that's what friends are for!

Let us give gifts to everyone with whom we interact. It doesn't imply, of course, giving to them all that they desire to receive from us (like in case with those who want our property or undue attention). There are all kinds of gifts: a smile, a soft reply, a positive thought.

One of the best gifts is when we think and silently affirm while interacting with another person: "You are a child of God. God lives in you and through you. You may not be aware of it now, but there will come a time when you will know". This is a secret behind the commandment of Jesus to love our enemies. They are our friends in disguise.

As a rule, we are friendly toward those who, as we believe, deserve our friendship. But looking at people superficially, we are easily deceived.

Who would think that the Scarecrow could be wise?
Who would think that the Tin Woodsman could be loving? Let us remember that what we give is what we get - exactly. This is the manifestation of the universal justice. When we look down on others, thinking that they are unworthy of our friendship, we create circumstances where others will look down on us. The secret of friendship is simple: "A man who has friends must himself be friendly" (Proverbs 18:24).

However, let us be careful not to abuse friendly relationships. There are so many things which friends aren't supposed to do for us. First of all, they are not supposed to assume our responsibility. They shouldn't make decisions for us.

What else do we need to say about friends? Love and respect them, but never limit your development by their level of understanding. Don't be afraid to be misunderstood by those closest to you. Loyalty to God within you is prior to loyalty to those around you.

True friends agree to disagree. On another hand, requirement of mental conformism is a symptom of abusive relationships. Those who don't let you think for yourself are your enemies, no matter how they call themselves.