Find Your Rhythm: Return to Healthy, Not to NormalSample

FRIENDS — Relational Health

Are you relationally healthy? Strong friendships are vital in life. They set the platform, sway decisions, change views and journey by your side through the valleys and mountain tops of life. An old African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — It is obvious you were designed to do life with others.

Below are 3 simple practices to help you develop regular connection points to help your relationships flourish and last the tests of time…

1. Send Encouraging Messages — If you want good friends, be a good friend. The simple practice of regularly encouraging others can be life-changing. Set a daily alarm reminding you to stop, think of a friend, pray and then text something encouraging to that friend.

2. Weekly Dinner with Friends — Life can be full, but it should never be too full that you don’t have time for good food with good friends. A weekly rhythm of dinner with those close to you is good for the soul. Laugh, cry, ponder and eat together. You won’t regret it.

3. Discuss Spiritual Things — Cultivate a weekly or fortnightly rhythm which gives time to growing together spiritually. Whether your friends believe in God or not, do something which nurtures, and deepens relationships of spiritual vulnerability. You could explore topics of faith, attend an Alpha Course or read a book together.

When it comes to relational health, your greatest ability is your availability. Why not embrace one of these practices for the next month and make yourself available to those around you. You may find a friend for life.