Tag: friendship

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children's ministry cartoons

Why Inviting a Friend is so Powerful

This cartoon was for a magazine series on encouraging kids to bring their friends to church. It demonstrates why inviting a friend is so powerful.

cartoon on why inviting a friend is so powerful. One boy says, "I brought a friend today. Just call me 'The Great Commissioner.'"
©2013 Kidzmatter Magazine and Kevin Spear

When I first wrote this blog post, I had been going to job and career seminars in a new city. One thing I’ve heard repeatedly is that job postings on Internet sites are not nearly as effective as finding work through a friend. Since this was my first big move, I had no idea how crucial that was. It took a few months to make friends and find good work.

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Adobe Illustrator Business cartoon children cartoons gag cartoon single panel cartoon webcomic

An Open Door Policy

What does an open-door policy do, exactly? I do have one at my work. There are times when I need to close the door for a meeting or to avoid interruptions. And I would say, for the most part, it has been good. But is it always the best policy?

“An open-door policy doesn’t do much for a closed mind.”

Bob Nelson
Cartoon of two boys at a front door

When I drew this cartoon, My office was a cubicle. Every cubicle worker knows the door is always open when there is no door. Interruptions are the norm. And it has changed the workplace dramatically. If a manager keeps the door closed, they are seen as aloof and unapproachable.

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Purpose

Remembering a Friend

Yesterday, I received news from Facebook that a childhood pal passed away from COVID. So today, I am remembering a friend that was there for me even when I wasn’t such a great friend. If our lives were forever judged by our actions as teens, well heaven help all of us!

I was an awkward kid. He was there to invite me along to events like the Indiana State Fair. I tried to “be cool” when I got into graphic design and wanted to be with the “in crowd.” He didn’t care. When I came to my senses, he welcomed me back. He exhibited grace and generous friendship.

As I get older, this verse becomes all the more important to me:

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Psalm 90:12 (KJV)

We don’t know what the next day will bring. We sure don’t know if we will have a tomorrow. So what matters today is that we live in the moment, have integrity, and consider how we want to be remembered when that day comes. My pal was a guy who did just that. Rest In Peace, dear friend. I’ll see you on the other side.

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motivation

True Friends During Social Distancing

Cartoon of two girls. One says, "Only a true friends would let you know you have a duck on your head."

One benefit of this time of quarantine and social distancing is that it is just as easy to keep in touch with friends in other parts of the world as it is the ones that live close by. I have learned to use Skype and Zoom for personal conversations as well as for business. It’s given me a new sense of what technology can do to bring us all closer together.

True friends are not just the ones in our own backyard, though it is good to check in with the neighbors. True friends will have your back while they whisper to you that your shirt needs tucked in back there! They are the ones who will have the courage to tell you that you’re wrong but do it in a kind, respectful way.

We need our true friends more than ever during a crisis. It’s been good for me to reach out to them through texting, calling, and seeing their activity on social media. Yes, there have been some positives through this crisis. Let’s keep in touch with our friends and let them know when they are experiencing such faux pas as wearing a duck during the Zoom call.

Cartoon of two girls. One says, "Only a true friends would let you know you have a duck on your head."

Categories
motivation

Are You in the Right Place for Encouragement?

Cartoon of two boys arguing

This weekend, I’m with friends that have been with us through good and tough times. They were there for us when we struggled in a Southwest venture and when we came back to the Midwest.

It feels good to be among friends that listen and encourage. We all need those friends. And we need to be one of those friends.

My hope and prayer for you is that this blog is that type of encouragement. None of us have to look far to find worry and discouragement. In fact, it is more than happy to find us. I have no desire to add to the easily obtained commodity of doom and gloom.

Look for places that give you encouragement. Look for people that want to build up instead of tear down. Find books and media that are uplifting. It will strengthen you and give you the strength to keep going.