How To Make Friends At Schoolنموونە

Jose approached the soccer field. There were several boys passing balls back and forth. A ball rolled towards Jose. Someone yelled, “Kick it back!”

Jose didn’t move. “Are you going to play a game?” he asked.

“No,” the boy answered. “Just messing around.”

“You should play a game,” Jose said. “With teams.”

The boy shrugged and ran down the field. He didn’t say anything more to Jose.

How was Jose supposed to make friends if everybody ran away from him?

Making friends is work. Jesus even described his friendship as a type of work. When he said to his friends, “Take my yoke upon you,” he was describing a harness that helps two oxen work together. The yoke helps them move in the same direction. Cooperating like the oxen do is key to making friends. When you’re trying to join in with a new group, first watch what they’re doing. Don’t criticize or try to change their game. Do what they’re doing (as long as it’s safe). People will see you as a friend if you’re moving in the same direction they are.

Jose noticed two boys crouching near a soccer goal. There was a snapping turtle inside the goal. Every time a boy got close, the turtle would bite. 

“What are you doing?” Jose asked.

“Trying to move this turtle, but it’s mean.”

Jose thought of a way to work with the boys. “Maybe you could pick it up with something, like a stick.”

“Or if we had two sticks we could pick it up like tongs,” a boy answered. “Let’s try!”

“I’ll help you,” Jose said. “I’m Jose.”

“I’m Carl. I don’t like turtles.”

“I like frogs,” Jose said, trading information with his new friend. 

“My brother had a pet frog,” Carl said. “Until my mom found it.”

Jose smiled. Together Jose and Carl looked for sticks.

God created us to be friends with him and friends with each other. At the same time, God gave us a job, taking care of creation, like making sure a turtle gets safely out of the way. This job is so big that no one can do it alone. That’s why Ecclesiastes 4:9 says that two are better than one. People working together get better results, and they often get to be friends.

Try this: Brainstorm places where you can meet people while working together, like a volunteer group or a sports team. Try one new thing this week. 

Prayer: God, give me work to do today, and friends to do it with. Amen.

For more: In grownup friendships, play is still important.