Friendship Knows No Age

Friendship Knows No Age

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.

We race up the stairs, seeing who can reach the top floor first. My kids and I have traveled these steps countless times over the past few years, the worn tread of the carpet as familiar as our own home. Al stands just outside his door, waiting for us with a smile and wave. We rush down the hall, giving side hugs as we each walk past him to the small living room and find a seat.

Al is a former neighbor who remains a dear friend. He’s old enough to be my children’s grandpa, and he relishes the relationship he has with my kids, not having any grandchildren of his own. Even though we are on opposite ends of life’s spectrum, we consider Al to be a close friend. We love our regular visits to his apartment, and he loves hearing all about the kids’ activities.

I often wonder what our life would be like if we’d never met Al. For years he lived across the street from us with little interaction until one summer my husband and I decided we needed to be more intentional in getting to know our neighbors. That is when we first really got to know Al, and he is an absolute gift to our family. It makes me sad to think we missed starting a relationship with him sooner, and I don’t want to make that mistake again.

Friendship knows no age. In fact, we should have friends in all stages of life. Older friends bring wisdom and understanding to life as well as a perspective young people often miss. They can remind those who are still inexperienced of the mighty acts of God. And in return, young people can bring an energy and excitement that may be missing for those who are later in life. There is a richness in relationships that span the decades, a bond in which commonalities can be found and differences celebrated.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Reach out to someone who is in a different stage of life than you are, and let them know what their friendship has meant to you.