Podcast: Play in new window
Are you struggling to make time for the friendships in your life? Listen, I get it. The undercurrent of many of our lives is busyness. Considering how to work another thing into an already full schedule is often not what any of us would prefer to do. But making room for deep and lasting connection is possible. Tis true!
Think of what is most important to you. Now consider, to varying degrees, the sacrifice you are willing to make to ensure that your time, energy, and investment are poured into those things. Friendships are no different. However, the return on investment is absolutely worth it!
What you put into the friendships in your life is what you will get out of them.
Yes, showing up for the friendships in our lives gets tricky, but it is possible. You can make the time. Here’s how…
- Recognize that friendship is a gift from God. There is a certain appreciation that is cultivated for the gifts we are given in life. There is also value attributed to gifts received from those near and dear. To recognize friendship as a gift from God is to acknowledge its significant mark on our life and the value it adds to our lives.
- Be willing to go the distance. Sometimes, making room for friendships requires you to make a plan. Haven’t heard from a good friend in a while? Instead of writing off the opportunity for connection, show initiative by reaching out. Schedule a meet-up that doesn’t require you to operate outside of the natural rhythms of your life. Choose to see the time you prioritize as a life-giving opportunity — one that brings out the best in you.
- Read between the lines. Do not normalize distance in your friendships. If the connection seems to be fading, inquire about it. Seek to identify the non-verbal cues present. Are your friends passively expressing frustration with your busyness? Be intentional about checking in on the state of your friendships and affirm their value.
Listen, every now and again, you may have to ask yourself, “Are my friendships worth my time and intentionality?” And if the answer is yes, then you will have to review and rebalance your time to make space for what really matters.
If you are willing to make room for your friendships, know that your friendships will give your life more dimension and a deeper well of love, encouragement, and support. Giving and receiving friendship is a gift in and of itself.
The way to experience the gift of friendship is by making room.
Try it for yourself and see.
Highlights from Today’s Episode
- Going the distance
- Giving your friendships the time they need
- Gauging your connection between friends
Related Resources
- Discover how to find your people by listening to the podcast, Establishing Deep Community with my special guest and friend, Jeannie Allen.
- Build Healthy Friendships by tuning into my conversation with Tammy Franklin and her closest friends.
- Learn how to Find Real Life Friendships in this episode with Jess Johnston and Amy Weatherly
- Watch this episode: 5 Ways to be a Good Friend.
Click to Tweet
- “Community is a gift from God.” Chrystal Evans Hurst
- “A good friend will bring out the best in you.” Chrystal Evans Hurst
- “You have to decide that friendship is important enough to prioritize.” Chrystal Evans Hurst
Other Stuff to Check Out
- Want to go deeper into how you can cultivate relationships? Join me in the Inner Circle this month for our 21 Day Course: Creating Your Sister Circle.
- Be sure to also check out my books She’s Still There, Show Up For Your Life, The 28-Day Prayer Journey, and Kingdom Woman!
- The newest version of The Full Circle Planner is about to launch! Make sure you are on my mailing list so you don’t miss out on the details!
Let’s Talk!
- How does it make you feel when a friend makes time for you?
- How has not making time impacted your friendships? How have you seen it impact the friendships of others?
- What is one thing you can do today to reconnect with a friend?
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How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you work out, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
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3. Share today’s show – Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!
You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!
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