The Art Of Making Friends

They knocked on the door ever so gently.
I was expecting them.
A sweet young mom and her three children were coming over for the morning.
I got out toys that I thought the children would enjoy.

I answered the door, knowing that one of the children did the knocking.
I was greeted with smiling faces.
The oldest boy, who is seven-years-old, handed me a bouquet of flowers from their yard.
Daffodils and hyacinths were wrapped with a damp paper towel.

The five-year-old little girl handed me a picture that she had colored for me.
The little eighteen-month-old was in her mother’s arms.
The two older ones seemed excited about the toys on the family room floor.
I knew right then I had chosen correctly.

A castle, complete with knights, dragons, and a large giant intrigued the boy.
A basket filled with little dogs and puppies and accessories intrigued the little girl.
The eighteen-month-old loved playing alongside and enjoyed finding the small book shelf.
The young mom and I sat in the kitchen with our tea, fruit, and homemade banana bread.

It was such a delightful morning.
Even though the mom and I were talking, I could hear the children playing.
They had such imagination.
The few times they came into the kitchen, they asked such wonderful questions.

I noticed the little girl’s jacket.
I saw gingham material in the back.
It did not seem to be a hood that was attached to her coat.
I could not quite figure out what I was seeing.

I asked her mother.
She and I are reading the Little House On the Prairie books, her mom said.
She wanted a bonnet, just like Laura Ingalls.
It is much too big for her, but she loves wearing it, her mother continued.

I remember reading the Little House books to my daughters.
I remember that Laura’s bonnet was always tied around her neck, yet it hung down her back.
This little girl was copying her favorite character.
It warmed my heart.

Something so little meant so much to her.
As her mother read the books to her, she heard something that was important to her.
This little girl related to a little girl from another time.
Kindred spirits who were centuries and cultures apart.

The children opened the toy chest and played with toys they found there.
Classic toys, like Mr. Potato head, that never go out of style.
A xylophone which made music and the old doctor’s bag were still as enjoyable as ever.
A puzzle with large pieces for little hands was begun.

Children find fun in the simplest things.
Toys do not have to be elaborate.
In fact, the toys that allow them to use their imagination, are the best.
The toys provided hours of play for them and a lovely morning for their mother and me.

When it was time for them to leave, they could pick something from the candy drawer.
They thought that was so special.
Their mother stood there as they made their choice.
Her little one was in her arms.

There was no prompting necessary.
Each child said, thank you, so sweetly.
The oldest little boy stopped and looked at me.
Thank you for being such a great friend.

I was so touched by his openness and gratitude over the littlest thing.
I went over to him and gave him a slight hug around his shoulder and a light kiss on his head.
I tousled his hair so that the kiss was given, but would not stick.
I have raised seven-year-old boys.

A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. (Proverbs 27:9)

Thank you for being such a great friend.
Those simple words blessed my heart.
It is the innocence of a child.
It is the uncanny ability of a child to get right to the heart of the matter.

When did it become difficult to make friends?
When did we get so selective as to who is our friend and who is not our friend?
When did cynicism take over?
Have we forgotten the simple art of making friends?

Making friends is easier than eating chocolate.
I think everyone in the world should have one big party and become friends.
Wisdom from the experts.
Children get right to the heart of the matter.

We can learn a thing or to from a child.
When was the last time you or I thanked someone for being a great friend?
When was the last time picking a piece of candy from a candy drawer was such a delight?
It is the simple things that make all the difference.

Making friends is child’s play.
No wonder Jesus said we have to become like little children.

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