Dropping In On A Friend

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 26-May-2008 edition

 

Dropping In On A Friend

By Dr Bill Maier

 

When was the last time you had friends drop in unexpectedly?

For many of us, it has been too long. There was a time when

families made a regular habit of driving over to a friend’s home

for an afternoon of good food and conversation.

 

It was one of life’s special little pleasures. I’ll never forget

the many times as a child I would hear a knock on the door

and scurry to see who was there. The screen would crack open

a few inches and a familiar voice would echo through the halls.

 

“Is anybody home?”

 

Sadly, that kind of intimacy is difficult to achieve in today’s

fast-paced world. The pressures of life have all but destroyed

the sense of community that was once common among families

and friends.

 

We seldom – if ever – drop in on friends unannounced.

And even if we did, they’d probably have to cancel a string

of appointments in order to be with us. Thus, we go about our days,

careening through life, wondering why we don’t have very many

close friendships.

 

Let me encourage you to take some time out of each week

to get together with friends. Reach out to the people in your

neighbourhood. I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening.