Fatherly Friendship

Fatherly Friendship

Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

During my senior year of college, I moved home after Christmas break to complete my internship at the middle school in my hometown. I found myself in a bit of limbo—no longer fitting in with the college crowd but not quite part of the professional world. I didn’t have many friends who lived in the area anymore, and I was lonely.

My ever-perceptive father picked up on this and, without making it obvious, began to ask to spend time with me. Over that spring semester we watched movies together and hung out, took bike rides and ate dinner together. He would engage me in conversation and was always genuinely interested in hearing about my day. Our relationship had shifted now that I was a young adult, and he became a good friend to me in a season when I needed one.

I often think of those months I spent back in my parents’ home as I transitioned to adulthood. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it set up the relationship we still have now—one based on friendship as adults. I still seek out my parents’ opinions on things and share my joys and sorrows with them. They’ve proven to be some of my greatest supporters in life, and I value their friendship.

Relationships can change over time, and nowhere is this more evident than in the relationship between parent and child. As our children grow, we must allow them to develop independence from us—even when they make choices that may be different from our own—while also remaining engaged with them. In this way we can remain a positive influence in their lives as they become adults. Rather than frustrate our children with overbearing or protective behavior, we can encourage them with friendship. My dad did a lot of modeling of godly behavior—including how to be a good friend—that encouraged me in a season when I could have been easily discouraged.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Think of a friendship that has changed over time and offer support and encouragement to your friend in the current season you are in.