Email 
Bookmark 
Print Summer Is for Friendships
by Janet FierbachI am in the season of my life when I am always pulling in or out of our driveway – out to the office, home from piano lessons, out to the orthodontist, home from baseball. As I go in and out, I often wave to my neighbors or stop for a quick hello, but I wish for the time to find out how they really are and what is happening in their lives. It's the tension of trying to balance schedule demands with the need to build relationships.
That is one reason I enjoy summer – my schedule relaxes and opportunities to spend time with people increase. Over and over Jesus emphasized the importance of loving others and even went so far as to say that the mark of a Christian is the love we have for one another (John 13:34-35).
So how can I strengthen my relationships this summer? Well, first I will need to make it a priority to spend time with others. I know summer days can quickly fill up with activities, so I am already planning which friends I want to spend time with and what I want to do with them. I especially want to get together with my non-Christian friends. Once I get into their world, I know God will show me how to relate His love to their situations.
Secondly, I will need to establish an environment of trust. I can do this by being vulnerable and not pretending my life is perfect. I will need to be honest and open about my own needs, failures and dreams. I will also need to find tangible ways to communicate that I care. Dr. Alan McGinnis in his book, The Friendship Factor, calls it taking the time to think what might bring a moment of happiness.
Another key to creating this environment is deciding not to judge. Invariably as I get to know people better, I find things I think they should change. But rather than trying to change them, I want to show acceptance and respect and let them change themselves.
The third thing I want to commit myself to do this summer as I build relationships is to pray. I am convinced God is at work in each person's life, so I want to talk with Him about my friends and be in tune with His purposes. I know He will enable me to "always be prepared to give an answer, with gentleness and respect, to everyone who asks about the reason for the hope that [I] have" (I Peter 3:15).
I am anticipating a great summer as I trust God to help me do some significant building in a few relationships. And I am praying He will work in and through you and your relationships as well.
~ Janet Fierbach is a staff member with Power to Change formally Campus Crusade for Christ.
Related Articles
Building Bridges With Your Neighbors
10 Ways to Turn an Acquaintance into a Friend
19 Ways to Encourage Others
Conversation Starters: 20 Questions
