I’ve been missing the season of my big kids being toddlers and preschoolers – not because I want to go back to them being little but because I miss the way my friendships were then. I have a toddler again, and as we go to swim lessons and potty train I’m reminded of when I walked through these seasons before.
Most of my friends then were stay-at-home moms too. We had a babysitting co-op. We met at the park often. We left one gathering usually knowing when we’d see each other again.
I have many of those same friends, but our friendships look different because the seasons have changed. The kids have grown up and go to school and have other commitments. Some of the moms have gone back to work and a few families have moved. Our schedules aren’t in sync like they used to be.
God authors changes, even the ones that come in relationships. That doesn’t always mean changes are easy, but knowing that truth does mean I see changes differently. Because, yes, when life changes, so do friendships.
(I know, I don’t really like it either!)
I’ve shared before, I’m the kind of person who wants to hold on tightly to friendships so things stay as they’ve always been with people choose I to be around. But that’s not realistic, as God is teaching me in this season of many changes.
I’m sharing five ways to handle friendship changes. In other words, this is how I’m slowly learning to hold loosely the people I love, even when I want to pull them all closely and hunker down in a commune-like bubble.
1. Find new ways to hang out.
My best friend is a teacher, so we have to hang out at different times than we used to. Plus together we have six kids who have their own stuff. But we still find ways to hang out. Some weeks we meet for dinner one evening between my girl’s piano lessons and her daughter’s gymnastics class. We love to gather our families on Saturdays for Settlers of Catan marathons, dinner, and general catching up. The kids like when that happens too.
Another friend and I have recently been trying to figure out how to get back in the habit of hanging out. We’re meeting for dinner this week, and hopefully we’ll be able to find other times that work in this season that involves homeschool and her own part-time job for her family as well as school days and toddler for mine.
2. Appreciate the traditions you have.
The photo I chose for this post is from one of my favorite traditions with my favorite friends. Our four families have gathered for Thanksgiving dinner together the past nine years. So many things have changed over those years, but I’m so grateful we’ve prioritized this tradition.
We have other friends we like to travel with to go see Murray State basketball games on the road. We outgrew fitting in one vehicle, so now we’ll borrow a bus so we can still go together. Closer to home, we’ll meet for dinner together before games.
Remembering and continuing those traditions are some of the best ways to connect.
3. Reach out to friends as you pray for them.
People are always going through things. Families I know are walking through hard times. Marriage and parenting can always use prayer. There are medical situations and job changes. So I put them on my prayer list and then I check in with them, even if that means sending a text with some encouragement or a quote that reminded me of them.
Reaching out doesn’t have be complicated, especially with today’s technology. Even when changes are for the good, they can be hard on people. Being present with prayers is a practical way to be there for people you love.
4. Don’t take their changes personally.
It’s true that a close friend’s circumstances can affect your life and have ripple effects. But I’ve had to remind myself God’s plans for one family often won’t look like his plans for mine. You can encourage them in whatever is happening for them and still process the effects on your life.
5. Notice the provision God has for you.
When a friendship changes because of logistics and schedules, I grieve what we used to have. And that is okay and healthy. But those changes don’t mean God is leaving us without. So many times I’ve seen new friendships develop or old friendships take a new shape in my life.
Sometimes the provision looks like new friendships. My closest friends are done having babies, but God has put a different circle of people who are pregnant and adopting in my life.
God knows what we need and provides
that – even when it surprises us.
Yes, sometimes people are in our life for a particular season. Sometimes we see the big picture in those scenarios and sometimes we have to hold onto the promise that God is for us and working all things together for the good even when we can’t see the whole thing.
I miss the friendships that came with having two small kids at the same time, but I love those kids being bigger now. And the friendships are still there, even if they take a little more work. Plus there are opportunities here with the toddler I do have and the people in our circle. I’m gathering a few of those friends at my house later this week for a lunch because God reminded the season we’re in now matters.
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I originally shared this post a couple years ago, but it came to mind recently so I updated it with where I am now. I needed these reminders, so I thought maybe someone else did too.
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Love your photo and tips here today, Kristin! Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Thanks, Sarah! Happy Valentine’s Day to you too!
Like you, I don’t like change. Kristin, you brought wisdom in this timely reminder. “The season we’re in now matters.” May I embrace this season – today – for whether I like it or not – it truly matters. Happy Valentine’s Day, friend!
Thank you, Joanne! They’re reminders I’ve needed myself, so I’m glad you could be encouraged too. Happy Valentine’s Day to you, my friend! xo
I love that picture and that tradition and the way you’re such a very faithful friend. It’s true that we have to accept some changes as they come, but I’m so grateful you won’t let a friendship go just because, say, a friend gets a job or moves away. Less than one month!
I love you and am grateful for the ways you’ve invested in our friendship across the miles the past couple of years. I’m counting down the days, my friend. xo
Yes!
Now that our kids can drive, one of my friends and I hardly see each other because we’re not facilitating our kids’ social lives any longer. We have to be very intentional about putting on the tea kettle and setting a date!
Oh, I hadn’t even thought about that season, Michele, so I appreciate the warning! It’s important to set those dates, that’s for sure. Thanks for being here!
I love this. So often we think that whatever season we’re in is the way it’s always going to be, the way it’s supposed to be. Learning to let go of that is hard for me. Knowing that it’s normal reminds me that it’s okay, I’m okay. Thank you 🙂
Learning this has been hard for me too, but I’m thankful God has shown me some beauty in change, even when it’s hard. Thanks for being here, Becky!
So appreciate this post, as I have had friend changes and trying to figure it all out.
I’m glad you could be encouraged, Jennie! Navigating friendship changes can be so hard. Hang in there, my friend! xo
Some posts bear repeating and this is one of them! Lots of love to you and yours today! ♥
I needed to hear it again in my own life. Love you!
I totally get this. Yeeepppp!!!
I’m glad I’m not alone! And I’m glad you’re here, Meg!
This is a great post, Kristin! It is not always easy when circumstances change and our friendships can’t work in the same way, but it’s good to find different ways to connect. This is a great reminder to be intentional about that.
I’m glad you appreciated the reminders because I needed them myself. Thanks for being here, Lesley!
You’re definitely not alone in this! Really appreciated your insights here, Kristin. <3
I’m glad you could take some things away today, Rachel. Thanks for being here!
Friendships definitely do change through the years. I’ve seen it in my own life. Your suggestions are very good ones though to keep our friendships healthy! Thanks, Kristin.
Getting healthy in all areas certainly in a process. Thanks, Lisa!
This was good for me today. I, too, tend to hold tightly to friendships (sometimes to the point of smothering) and navigating friendships in my next phase (as an empty-nester) is new for me. Friendships do change – and, yes, change can even be a good thing:)
I’m glad you could be encouraged, Jennifer! Thanks for being here.
Such great advice, Kristin!
My best friend lives in a different state and we only get to talk randomly but I’m so thankful for technology that makes it possible! And I’m also so, so, so thankful for MOPS and the women it has brought into my life. I have made some incredible friendships that I can see being long lasting because of the time we are investing now.
Thanks, Katie! I’m glad you have those relationships and the technology to keep you connected. xo