Friendship Is The Theme

Friendship Is the Theme

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.

A number of years ago, I wanted to get to know several women in my neighborhood, but I wasn’t sure how to go about doing it. I decided to host a chocolate-tasting party in my home and invited some friends as well as the neighbor women. As I googled chocolate-tasting-party tips, a plan easily developed for the night.

I enlisted the help of friends and my husband to prepare food and set up my house for the small event. As the women came and we began the evening, conversation flowed easily. The women talked about the different chocolates and began to find out about one another’s lives and families as well. Even though the evening revolved around tasting sweet treats, the true objective was to simply get to know the other women better.

If you’re a bit introverted like me, hosting people in your home can feel intimidating and awkward. I’ve found that planning a party around a theme can be one easy way to develop friendships, as the theme provides a ready topic of conversation. Since that first gathering, I’ve held several themed parties, from wooden-sign-making parties to book clubs to game nights, realizing that when you utilize a theme or activity, it allows you to get to know others while engaging in something fun.

After I host a party, people will tell me that what they enjoyed most was not the theme or activity but the kindness they felt while participating in the event. The friendships and conversations that begin to take shape are the most meaningful part of the night and encourage me to live a life filled with love. I’ve come to realize it really doesn’t matter what the theme is, since it’s just a vessel to encourage us all to spend some time getting to know others better. Friendship is the real purpose for (and gift of) the gatherings.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Plan a themed party and invite a few friends and acquaintances you’d like to get to know better.