Evolving Through Relationships
Relationships change throughout our lives, and looking back, I have noticed a shift in the types of people with whom I choose to spend time. Relationships when I was young could be classified as relationships of convenience; those who were close by with a shared interest. We were neighbors, played on the same teams, went to the same church, were involved with the same extra-curricular activities; etc. The friendships were fun and helped me grow and mature. Those relationships didn’t have the strongest roots, so over time, they withered. People moved away. Interests changed. They were friends for a season.
When my kids were young, my friends tended to be the friends of my children. We formed an incredible support group for each other during the ups and downs of parenting. These people knew exactly what life was like in the trenches of parenthood and made me feel like I was part of a sisterhood, lifting me up and giving me advice when I needed it. We had play dates at the park, met at neighborhood pools, loaded our vans and SUV’s for an air-conditioned lunch and playtime at Chick-fil-a, and even did annual mom and kid trips. These relationships had stronger roots, but they were tied to the relationships our children had with one another. Sometimes, as the children’s relationships grew distant, unfortunately, so did the parents’ friendships. These relationships helped shape my adulthood. Many of these dear friends were friends for the season of parenting.
As I’ve gotten older, I feel like the people I call my good friends now are ones I have chosen purely based on personality. They are supportive good listeners and always willing to lend a hand. We can laugh and have fun together. A lot of my friends are still parents of my children’s friends, but we aren’t always socializing with the kids as part of the equation. We have cookouts without kids, meet at restaurants for dinner and margaritas, and even travel together without our children. I also have life-long friends that I could call any time and we would pick up where we left off. I am blessed with many family members who fall into this category as well. These friendships have deep roots in good soil, and I am so thankful for them. I call these friends my lifetime friends.
I have always heard the saying, “People come into your lifetime for a reason, a season, or a lifetime,” and I can honestly see how all of those types of relationships have taught, shaped, and molded me into the person I am today. I hope to keep growing and evolving with my squad at my side. Our goal should be to tend to our friendships and make them bloom!
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