NOTE TO SELF: See how inventive you can be in encouraging love and helping out, spurring others on, especially as you see the big Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

I read an interesting article yesterday on recent findings that "Americans' shrinking circle of intimate friends ... is worsening." But then, we already know that. If we aren't personally experiencing it, we at least know people who are.

"The nation has never been more populous, soon to reach the 300 million mark. And it has never been more connected by phone, e-mail, instant message, text message, and on and on. Yet so many are alone in the crowd." "Lonely people may not be aware of things they're doing that perpetuate the problem."

"Strolls through the neighborhood and visits on front porches have been replaced in many cases by retreats indoors to be entertained by TVs, computers and video games. Spouses are more likely to be both working and less likely to have one or two other couples with whom they forge close, long-lasting ties. Instead, they may have a broader circle of couples they know only casually..."

The article addressed a few different demographic groups: mid-life singles, empty nesters, college students, the old and alone, our neighbors. I think the list could be expanded to include people from any group. I've seen it a lot. Among people who attend the same church as me.

We, The Church, are admonished to practice hospitality, to take care of one another, to carry each other's burdens. Are we doing it? Or are we 'wasting privelege,' as author Andree' Seu refers to resting on our blessings.

"Relationships - consistent, genuinely caring interactions with other human beings - are not just icing on the cake of life. They are its very substance." Sandra Wilson from her book, Into Abba's Arms

NOTE TO SELF: Do yourself a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond. (Proverbs 18:19) Because friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family. (Proverbs 18:24)

posted by Joye @ 11:41 PM

4 Comments:

At 8/10/2006 9:04 AM, Mike Messerli said…

I agree, Joye, a good friend is more valuable that a big bank account.
At 8/10/2006 10:42 AM, Kathy said…

Want to have lunch? I need more of those kind of friends. :D
At 8/10/2006 9:14 PM, Anonymous said…

Ahhh...bring back rockers on the front porch I say...and stopping by for iced tea or lemonade. So glad the two of you ventured out to be our friends. xoxo Kathy D.
At 8/11/2006 9:10 AM, MizB said…

Good post! I've recently felt that lack... my hubby & I don't have many couples that we can hang out with, and that hurts. He's ten years older than I am, and he's not a believer but I am, so that makes it hard to find couples we BOTH like to hang with.

I wish the days of visits on porches still existed. I don't have a porch, but I'd build one if I could have those types of days/visits! LOL. :o) I sure like the idea...

I do have a few *close* friends, though, and I agree that they're priceless. We were created for relationships... for community. :)

<>< Mizbooks
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