Who is nearby you?
Proverbs 27:10--I always thought that the Baby Boomer Generation were the ones who left the hometowns and moved away from families. Although many of my generation did, these days only about 20% of adult children live further away than 2 hours from their mothers.
So what about those 20%? My husband and I live about 10 hours from our families, and close to 20 hours from our daughter and grandson.
We've pretty much lived away from our childhood homes for 40 years. That's a lifetime. Trying to build "family," friends, and community away from our hometown has always been a challenge. But, the places we've lived where we have made the effort has produced sweet blessings.
Friends who become like family don't replace family, but they are precious and worth cultivating.
What does that cultivation look like?
Bob and I are both introverts. Our tendency is to be homebodies, but having jobs and being involved in our congregation helped us to find those folks we connected with. When someone needed help, we tried to help. When someone needed time, we tried to give it. As a result, we seldom had the need to call for aid from our families. The people of our community were there for us because we were there for each other.
Today, we have moved again. Being in our 60s it's tougher starting all over again, but it's worth it. Getting to know our neighbors. Being part of our congregation. Inviting people for meals. Making soups and casseroles for new moms or those who are ill. Movie nights. All these things help to create a bond that is strong.
Have you moved away from family? If you haven't already, begin today to build friendships and community. It takes time and hard work, but a neighbor nearby is better than a brother far off.
So what about those 20%? My husband and I live about 10 hours from our families, and close to 20 hours from our daughter and grandson.
We've pretty much lived away from our childhood homes for 40 years. That's a lifetime. Trying to build "family," friends, and community away from our hometown has always been a challenge. But, the places we've lived where we have made the effort has produced sweet blessings.
Friends who become like family don't replace family, but they are precious and worth cultivating.
What does that cultivation look like?
Bob and I are both introverts. Our tendency is to be homebodies, but having jobs and being involved in our congregation helped us to find those folks we connected with. When someone needed help, we tried to help. When someone needed time, we tried to give it. As a result, we seldom had the need to call for aid from our families. The people of our community were there for us because we were there for each other.
Today, we have moved again. Being in our 60s it's tougher starting all over again, but it's worth it. Getting to know our neighbors. Being part of our congregation. Inviting people for meals. Making soups and casseroles for new moms or those who are ill. Movie nights. All these things help to create a bond that is strong.
Have you moved away from family? If you haven't already, begin today to build friendships and community. It takes time and hard work, but a neighbor nearby is better than a brother far off.
May we cultivate those "nearbys," my friends.
Proverbs 27:10--Do not forsake your friend, or your father’s friend, nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far off. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
Proverbs 27:10--Do not forsake your friend, or your father’s friend, nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far off. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
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