SMALL BITES

. . . adventures in downsizing

with Jan Kinzel

Provided by CN Building Adult Ministries Resource Center

A true friend is good to find – and tough times define true friends. It’s been said that there are friends for a reason, friends for a season and friends for a lifetime. It’s good to put this in perspective in order to understand the various reactions people have to your changed circumstances. The best friends don’t tell you how to fix it (that can come later) or say that “it will all turn out okay” (even though that is the likely case), rather they offer words of kindness and affirmation without recrimination. They call frequently just to make sure you are okay and to see if they can help with anything. They treat you to dinner – in or out.

Downsizing is very demanding emotionally and physically. Friends who came with helpers and large vehicles to take away furniture and items that had been purchased or given were more than a blessing. They saved us from being overwhelmed and made the moving days with the professional packers and movers so much less confusing. When this first came up, these few wonderful friends said they would be there to help and they were – amazingly. That was ‘where the rubber meets the road’ friendship and it beautifully displayed the practical side of loving friendship.

One couple in our circle of friends invited a few other couples for an Italian dinner to celebrate our move to the Tuscan style condominium. We were the guests of honor. What a great show of friendship and love – so appreciated!  The host prepared an Italian trivia test for us – it was a delight!  The food was terrific and the evening was light and fun – a true break from our tortuous tasks!

All of these generous and loving acts are humbling and instill in me a desire to be a better person. Being more sensitive to my friends’ needs and acting on those promptings make me glad. I guess the old adage of ‘walking a mile in someone else’s shoes’ fits and as the shoe fits I will gladly wear it! (I also like to buy them in every color – if it fits!)

MENU

Sit with a good friend and share a cup of tea or coffee, some biscotti and a good heart to heart chat.


RECIPE

A pantry stocked with the following items will yield opportunities for instant hospitality.

Variety of tea blends – Earl Grey, Decaffeinated Constant Comment Orange Spice, herbal blends, Caffé D’ Vita Mocha Cappuccino (Find this in canisters at Costco).

A large container of almond biscotti plain or dipped in chocolate (Also at Costco). Offer the tea selections in a basket with ‘friendly’ tea cups along with a teapot of steaming water and a cheerful plate of biscotti; add some lovely placemats and napkins and relax with your friend.

As you permit your very good friend to minister help and support, a deeper bond and trust will grow between the two of you. Enjoy the special time together.

Tip: Don’t judge your friends based on their reactions. You never know what’s going on in their lives.

. . . there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).