Friendship Bucket List

I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.

“What should we put on the bucket list this year?” Ashlyn’s dad asked early one morning as she and her sisters sat crunching on toast with peanut butter and honey.

“The largest candy store!” her oldest sister crowed. The Science Museum, a play, a parade, carnival rides—the list grew as the girls brainstormed ideas.

“Ashlyn, what do you want to add to the list?” her dad asked, pen in hand.

Ashlyn thought about it for a minute. “Ice cream for breakfast,” she finally said, a smile lighting her face as her sisters nodded their approval.

Every summer, Ashlyn’s family comes up with a bucket list. Together, they write out a list of activities and experiences they’d like to do over the course of the summer. Then, they put the list on their refrigerator, and they spend the next three months crossing items off of it. Some of their favorite bucket list ideas have included riding roller coasters, water balloon fights, a treasure hunt, and eating breakfast in bed.

The family bucket list also helps the girls strengthen their friendships. Ashlyn’s sister Noelle has asked their neighbor Finley to join them in their backyard scavenger hunt, and their mutual friend Lily has spent many hours playing Chutes and Ladders with them (a life-size version made out of chalk on the driveway). As a family, they invite friends over for a rib fest or for bonfires (including a delicious s’mores bar). Who knew that lemon marshmallows on a cinnamon graham cracker, paired with white chocolate, could be so delicious? Ashlyn was more than willing to try out each and every yummy combination.

God wants us to work hard and seek him in all we do, but he also wants us to enjoy the beautiful world he’s created. We’re bound to experience hard times in our friendships, but those times are balanced out by the joy and love friendship brings to us. As Christians, let’s begin by thanking God for the gift of his creation. Then, let’s look for ways to celebrate this life by spending time with our friends—enjoying nature, exploring new places, and looking for adventure.

Things to Think About

• What’s the most fun thing you’ve done with a friend?
• What’s one adventure you’d love to experience with a friend?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Come up with a Friendship Bucket List. Post it on your refrigerator as a reminder.