Want to love your friends? Try this one simple trick
Sep 23, 2020I have to tell you… I cried a little when I saw this picture. Like, real, actual tears.
No, it’s not because I love Hobby Lobby that much. (I DO love the Lobby, though. I’m not gonna lie.) And it’s not because Grace was coming home with more art supplies. (OK, maybe a little bit that.)
This picture made me cry because of what it represented: the love of a friend. Our dear friends and neighbors took our daughter birthday shopping. At Hobby Lobby. For art supplies. Because they know her.
They showed love to my daughter that day, but really… they loved ME that day.
When kids are little, they have no qualms about showing affection. I love sitting back at a play date and watching kids hug, hold hands, kiss each other on the cheek, and just generally love each other without ever worrying about looking silly.
It’s a little different for us adults. We wonder how to help our friend who is struggling, how to show love to someone who is down, how to really communicate our devotion in meaningful ways.
God has blessed me with some amazing friends, I’m thankful to say. They have loved me well and been there when I needed them, and I hope I have done the same for them in return. They have taught me a huge amount about how to BE a good friend… but one thing stands out above the rest…
If you want to show love to your friends who are parents, love their kids.
It’s really that simple. I can’t think of much in this world that is more meaningful to me than watching the people I care about giving love and time and attention to my children.
Yes, show up for baseball games and soccer games and school plays. I kid you not, it brings tears to my eyes every single time we’re at an event for one of our kids and I see a friend walk through the door.
But you can love them in small, everyday ways, too. Talk to them. Engage with them. Ask them questions. Pay attention to what they’re interested in and learn about it, so you can have better conversations.
When we meet kids where they are, they feel seen and valued. Their eyes shine. And when a child feels seen, their parents feel loved in an incredibly meaningful way.
PS – For some more practical tips on showing love to your friends’ kids, check out my post on Instagram and Facebook!
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