If you’re like me, you’re often wondering where you’ll find the time to keep current relationships current, and new relationships growing. When you’re “commission-minded†(Matthew 28:19), this poses a real concern.
We want to create new friendships and deepen the relationships we have, but are just too busy.
Well, here are a few tips that I’ve learned along the way. Maybe they’ll help you, too.
- Schedule “friend†time each week. It’s easier to make time for people when you plan for it. Otherwise, your time will quickly escape, and so will your opportunities.
- Use your cell-phone. With safety in mind, consider using the time you spend driving to touch base with people. It doesn’t have to be a long, in-depth coversation, but simply a contact to let them know you’re thinking about them.
- Meet during you lunch hour. This is usually time during your day that is mostly unused. Call a friend and ask them to meet you at a local fast-food restaurant. The 30 minutes or so that you can spend will really go a long way to strengthening bonds.
- Invite a friend to your hobby. If there is something you do on a regular basis, like going to the gym, library, museum, park, etc. invite a friend to go along with you. Often, we spend time alone doing things that could be spent with other people. Look for opportunities in your week to invite a friend along to share.
Most of all, I think it’s important to ask God to show you opportunities in your routine that could be used to strengthen relationships.
Maybe, just maybe, portable friendship is your answer?
