Whom Can I Befriend?

Whom Can I Befriend?

We love each other because he loved us first.

We were invited to a team-building party at the beginning of a new year of dance for my daughter Jasmine. As we walked into the hotel pool area, my eyes scanned the room. Jasmine headed off to join some girls in the pool, and I saw my friends gathering chairs to one side. But I also noticed a new mom just sitting down on the opposite side of the pool. I decided to go and sit by her instead of joining my friends.

I greeted her and asked who her daughter was. Our conversation flowed from there to talk about where we were from and a bit about our families. The hour passed easily as we found things we had in common and realized there were people we both knew.

Finally, we all got up to leave and said goodbye. I collected my daughter, and we headed out to our car. On the way home, I mentioned to Jasmine how I had intentionally chosen to walk in looking for someone who might be new, even though I knew it would be easier to just go sit by my friends. I explained to Jasmine that we always want to try to be the inviters, the ones who look for those who need to be included. She nodded understanding as we pulled into our driveway.

Later on that evening, I received a message through social media from the mom I’d just met.

“Thank you for coming and sitting by me tonight,” she stated. “It meant a lot that you would do that.”

I quickly responded, letting her know what a pleasure it was to meet her.

It doesn’t matter our age or how confident we are, it is always nice to be included when entering a new situation. As Christians, we should be some of the most welcoming and loving people around, reflecting the way Christ has first loved us. Out of that place of knowing God’s love for us, we are able to pour out to others, inviting them in and showing them love and friendship. We don’t have to wait for anyone else; we can be the ones to befriend first.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Look for someone who is new, whether at work, church, or some other activity you are a part of, and start up a conversation.