Cultivating Friendships to Last
In a world that spins around instant gratifications, quick fixes and social media profiles, it can be really difficult to cultivate and keep lasting friendships. Although we all have the ability to portray particularly different sides of ourselves online, the truth is that we need friends to keep us grounded in the middle of the mess and daily routines of life. We need to be those type of friends also. We have no idea of what battles others are dealing with which is why it’s important to work on our friendships.
It’s pretty simple when it comes to cultivating and maintaining these types of friendships. You just have to show up.
Show up with a Meal
Most people only think to bring their friend a meal following a sickness or when they welcome a new baby into the world. You don’t have to have a reason to show up to your friends home with a meal. Think about when your friends are overwhelmed with dealing with the craziness of parenting, adulting and life in general. Be intentional about this. You’ll be surprised how much it will mean to your friend for even thinking about them.
Show up with a Gift
When was the last time you showed up on your friends doorstep with a gift when it wasn’t their birthday or a holiday? Have you ever received a gift just because someone though you’d like it? Maybe you received a gift because someone knew you needed it during this season. Think about how that made you feel? Surprised? Appreciated? Loved? Thankful? Not cultivate that and sow.
Show up in Prayer
If your friend is one who follows Jesus, they will surely take up your offer to pray over them, for them and for their situations. Pray with them hand in hand. The gift of prayer is one of the deepest and most beautiful gestures within a friendship we can offer to our friends.
Show up in Support
Showing up to support your friends doesn’t just include during times of need or difficult seasons. Show up to your friends in ways that encourage, motivate and support their careers, their hobbies and interests. The world today is bombarded with this idea of racing to the top leaving our comrades in the dust, whereas we need to be those helping pick others up. Help your friends be the best version of them. Support their endeavors, their dreams and their ambitions. There are too many people trying to knock others down instead of lifting them up.
Show up with Forgiveness
Even strong and secure friendships experience conflict and arguments. Words might be exchange and feelings hurt, but if you choose to be intentional with your conflict resolution, your friendship will come out stronger on the other side. It’s important that both sides need to practice forgiveness and forgive their friend, their actions and their words. A humble heart will admit fault and forgive.
Just Show Up
Be willing to show up when no one else does regardless of who is there, time of day or the magnitude of the situation and need. Intentionally aim to be a good friend without expectations. Show up. Be present. Be kind. By showing up, you give the gift of friendship.
