FIVE WAYS TO INVEST TIME IN FRIENDSHIP

When we speak of investing, we almost exclusively refer to money. This week, my wife and I spent most of a day evaluating our small pool of money, where it is invested, what the dividends are, and what our minimal withdrawals will be this year. We’ll survive, is our conclusion.

     The pursuit of money, getting and enjoying the things we buy with that money, and the protection of our money, however, often preoccupy us to such a degree that we have little time to consider other types of investment. We overrate money. It does not produce contentment and satisfaction.

     I suggest investing time in other targeted areas of life will pay much higher dividends of personal satisfaction. One of those is friendship. We all want friends and to be befriended. Here are five ways to do invest in friendship:

1.      Whenever you connect with people, leave the impression that you have time to hear what they are saying. Ask some questions. Respond to what they are saying.

2.      If you are pressed for time at that moment, tell them you’re sorry to have to rush off, but you will be in touch later that day, and be sure you do it.

3.      Take the time to text, phone, e-mail, stop by the office, to ask how they are.

4.      Take time while you are shopping or strolling through shops to look for little gifts you can leave with a friend. They will realize that they are in your thoughts.

5.      When you hear about friends wading through deep waters, initiate having coffee with them.

This is not exhaustive list, but even if you invest in these simple ways, you will gain respect and become a treasured friend. 

Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you.

PRAYING FOR FRIENDS

Among the many ways to invest in friendship, there is one we often neglect ­– prayer. When we can’t connect with friends personally, and that is the most rewarding part of a friendship, we can do our part in continuing caring, positive input into their lives by speaking to God about them. Friendship is a two-way deal, but by asking for favor, for protection, for guidance, for wisdom, for healing, for grace from their Creator for them, we maintain the one part of the relationship for which we are responsible. We probably know how life is with them and from what we know, we can appeal to God to change circumstances for them.
     Of course we now have the ease of sending e-mails, texting and Skyping to discover specific needs they may have. And you can  choose to leave with them items of concern in your life.

     Maybe some days you wish a friend would be in touch. You are ready to admit that you are lonely and really wish they would connect. Pray for them. You will experience satisfaction and also can be pleased that you are messaging good will toward them.

     Praying for each other, and even you only for a friend, strengthens the bond of friendship. Try it.

    

WHY SOME PEOPLE DON’T HAVE FRIENDS

My blog heading is Befriend; it assumes there must be people open to friendship. I did a little sleuthing and found the following answers to the question about why some people do not have friends. Here are some of the answers: 

·         Some are just shy.

·         Some people are naturally more comfortable by themselves.

·         Others gave up because many of the unfriended people are into themselves

·         For some it is a  choice because they refuse to bare their personal lives

·         Then there are those who have been hurt by ignorant and hurtful treatment

·         Still others are nice enough but are boring to be around. 

Would you like to add to this list? I will begin to answer these barriers to friendship next week, but in the meantime welcome your additions and responses.