My sister and I often struggled to find good time to spend with one another. We faced this challenge because we didn't live near each other, had children to care for, jobs to do at home and at work, and limited funds. Then, a few years ago, we started a holiday tradition named, Sister Weekend. We set aside one weekend during December to meet up at an interesting place to enjoy the company of each other and our husbands. It's a celebratory, intimate weekend that ensures we'll have time for each other during the holiday season.
My mom was good at making special times for special friends. She had a number of friend groups that met regularly including her Girls from Grafton Hill, The Bridge Group, The Couples (8), and St. George's Church group. Regular get togethers ensured that these friends and family members saw each other and enjoyed each other's company and common interests regularly.
Looking back, I wish I was smart enough to create that kind of group with many of my friends from different chapters of life. Honestly, once I had children and worked full time as a teacher too, my time for anything but my family was greatly reduced. Teaching days leave you with little time or energy to do much else, but in hindsight, I wish I had attended to my valued friends' groups more, and to do that, I think it's important to create regular get togethers. Those get-togethers may be once a month, once a year or even once every five years, but what's important is that you make the time and place to catch up, support and care for one another.
It is essential to make time for those you love. We can look back and regret the errors in relationships we've made, but I believe it is better to look ahead by recommitting to valued connections as well as making new traditions with loved ones you care about. It is vital to make time for good relationships because this brings great love and value to life. Onward.