The Importance of Friendships Outside of Family

Virtual school put a damper on the friendship of a lot of school aged children. My son had the privilege of being able to play online video games with classmates and cousins. This cut down his depressed moments and feelings of being alone. Peer connections are valuable to our mental and emotional wellbeing.

My daughter whom was suppose to start Pre-K this pass school year, but didn’t have the opportunity to make or see peers/friends because of the pandemic. Hearing her say, “mommy I don’t have any friends!” made me so sad. She saw my sadness and told me that I was her only friend. What she didn’t realize was that I knew exactly how she felt. Many of us have tons of acquaintances, but not a lot of good friends. I can count mine on one hand. She will make many this Fall when she begins Kindergarten, but for me, a mom, wife, and older woman well, let’s just say it’s hard to meet genuine and loyal people around my age. It kind of makes me cringe!

When you live in a big and involved family like I do you won’t feel alone often. There is always a birthday or celebration and more importantly you have someone to laugh with. However, I believe that it is equally as important to have someone outside of your family to call a friend. A friend is supposed to be supportive of you, but loves you enough to give you a reality check. Family won’t always do that because sometimes their love for you will override them wanting to hurt your feelings and tell you the brutal truth.

Having a friend is having someone that you can share your secrets, fears, goals, and accomplishments with. Friends don’t grow jealous or distant when your plans change beyond what they expect. Friends adjust and wish you the best along your journey. They don’t wait for you to fail and they definitely don’t get excited if you do fail. When life throws you grief, trials, and disasters they are not their to listen as a itchy ear they are their to listen to you as they search for ways to bring you some joy or help.

Good friends don’t just share pics of fun times with you they include you in the fun times. They want you around and they want to do life with you. If you are reading this and you have a good friend consider yourself loved and blessed. If you need a good friend here is my suggestion to you. Pray and ask God to guide you to good friends. Be open to meeting new people and reciprocate the attention that they give to you. Check in often and remember that all friendships require work, but what they should not include is jealousy, selfishness, or intentional hurt.

Here are a few devotionals available on the You Version bible app that are beneficial in discovering new friendships and confirmation to remind you that you are worthy of friends that will go the extra mile for you during good times and bad.