Taking The Time

Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

We hadn’t seen him in over a year, and as we made our way to his senior apartment complex, I felt excited and a little nervous. I squeezed my daughter Jasmine’s hand as we pressed his buzzer before noticing he was sitting in the lobby, waiting for us to arrive. He stood as we walked in, pushing a walker that hadn’t been there before, looking frailer than we remembered. We hugged and followed him to his apartment, talking about the weather and how his health had been.

We met Al years ago when we lived in the same neighborhood. He lived alone, right across the street from us. As a mom with little kids, I was often overwhelmed. Jasmine developed a friendship with Al and frequently spent time at his house, especially when he would sit outside his garage in the evenings while my kids circled him on their bikes.

For several years, we shared meals and celebrations on that street until Al decided it was time for him to move to the senior apartment complex one summer. We were sad to see him leave but glad he was still in town. Since then, we’ve changed neighborhoods as well, but our relationship with Al has remained strong. His friendship has been a gift to my kids over the years, one I could have missed out on if my kids hadn’t taken the time to get to know him.

Life can get busy for all of us, and often it’s hard to step outside of our regular routines to make a new friend or even get together with the friends we already have. But when we make a point of connecting with others, we walk away feeling better than before. And it’s no wonder: God made us for community. He wants us to build up and encourage one another. We just have to take the time to do it.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Thank a friend who has been a blessing to you, and let them know how much they mean to you.