Friendship Knows No Age

Friendship Knows No Age

It is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

My four-year-old, Ashlyn, likes to visit our neighbors. If I’m not watching carefully enough, she’ll sneak out of the house, hop on her bike, and head out to find someone to talk to. We live on a quiet cul-de-sac and have kind neighbors, but it’s a work in progress to teach her about boundaries. I’ve chased her down the street on her way to Joyce’s, caught her as she hoofed her way up the driveway to Finley’s, and snagged her just as she was about to ring Shelly and Denny’s doorbell. I’ve repeatedly reminded her that she can’t just visit whomever she likes without checking with me first, but she’s mostly unrepentant.

I’ll often hear about my children’s exploits after they happen. Since my daughters spend the better part of every waking hour outside during the summer, that’s not really a surprise, although the stories often are. My neighbor Jack told me recently that Ashlyn stopped over when he was working outside and asked if she could help him garden. Jim stopped me the other day to commend the calm way my oldest daughter relates to his dog. Debbie has picked up my children more than once when they’ve fallen off their bikes. And I’ve even found one of my children sunning themselves in Jayme’s driveway, lying next to her slumbering cat Zoe.

Though there have been a few awkward moments and misunderstandings over the years, I love that my children see the value in having good relationships. We may have some different interests and perspectives, but I appreciate the wisdom my neighbors possess—be it in regard to parenting, gardening, or what’s happening in the community. This is why I encourage my children to seek friendships with all neighbors of diverse ages and experiences. It’s one of the greatest gifts I can give them in helping them learn how to love their neighbor as they do themselves.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Invite a friend or neighbor who is older or younger than you to go for a walk around the neighborhood.