Here are a few ways to honor and appreciate them: be intentional about being spiritually present with our friends.
• Acknowledge their timing. Take a moment to reflect on the times they’ ve surfaced just when you’ ve needed them— at a funeral, during a major life transition, or in a quiet text you didn’ t know you needed. Name the impact— in a message, a call, or even a short voice memo.
• Don’ t wait for the perfect wave. When an old friend comes to mind, don’ t overthink it— just reach out! Send a text, make a quick call, write a short email. And before you do it, be okay with not needing a response. The point is to be obedient to the nudge of the Spirit.
• Send a“ thank you for showing up” note. A simple, specific message(“ You may not know this, but when you called that day...”) can affirm the spiritual significance of what might’ ve felt to them like a small interaction.
• Name them in prayer. Lift your surfer friends up by name. Ask God to bless them in their own season, just as they’ ve blessed you in yours.
Of course, being a surfer friend yourself takes focus. Only God is omnipresent, but we can
• Learn to read the waves. All great surfers know how to pay attention to the waves. Likewise, you should pay attention to the tides in your friends’ lives. If you sense that someone is grieving, celebrating, or in transition, pray about whether this might be your time to paddle toward them with a gesture of kindness.
• Speak( or stay silent) with wisdom. Not all waves require words. Sometimes the best ministry shows up wrapped in silent companionship. Whether it’ s with words or with presence, your goal should be the
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