I Used to be Jealous of Jerry Seinfeld

I used to be jealous of Jerry Seinfeld.

Here’s the reason why:

His friends were always coming over, walking through the door and into his apartment without even knocking.

They made themselves at home. They helped themselves to Jerry’s impressive cereal collection.

They didn’t wait for an invitation or special occasion to spend time together.

They just showed up.

Man, I really wanted friends like that…

And I couldn’t remember the last time someone just showed up at my house unannounced.

I started wondering what was wrong with my friends.

Were they too lazy? Too busy? Too boring?

Maybe my “friends” don’t actually like me.

Maybe they don’t enjoy coming over to my house.

Maybe they’re all over at someone else’s house having a great time, right now.

I kept thinking: why don’t my friends ever take the initiative?

They don’t call. They don’t drop in. They don’t invite me over.

Sheesh. What terrible friends I have.

It took me a while before I realized…

I’m just like them.

I don’t call. I don’t drop in. I don’t invite anyone over.

I don’t ever take the initiative.

I had an epiphany. The light bulb turned on in my head.

In life, most people rarely step up and take the initiative.

Most people are waiting for someone else to take the initiative.

Most people wish they had better friendships and more friends.

Most people are jealous of Jerry Seinfeld.

I realized something: it’s up to me to take the initiative.

Waiting around, being bored, lonely, and jealous of Jerry Seinfeld is stupid.

I can do something. I can show up. I can pop in. I can invite myself over. I can invite people over.

I can offer to bring some ice cream. I can bring presents. I can throw parties.

I can take the initiative.

I can be a good friend.

I can have great friends.

Here’s what Jesus said about it:

“Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” (Matthew 7.12 MSG)

Snap, that’ll preach! YOU grab the initiative and YOU do it for them.

When people say things like: “People aren’t friendly here,” or “I just can’t seem to break in,” or “I don’t feel wanted,” I’m positive of this—they’re not grabbing the initiative. They’re waiting for someone else to do it for them.

I know it’s true because I was doing the exact same thing.

I was waiting and complaining, but I wasn’t grabbing the initiative.

When I had my epiphany, things changed for me.

I took the initiative.

I called people.

I dropped in.

I gave gifts.

I became the friend I wished others would be for me…

And it worked. I’m blessed with some incredible friends (and they’re blessed because of me).

Grabbing the initiative worked for me.

And it will work for you too.

Remember:

“Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” —Jesus