I’ve never been one to fit into one particular group. You know how it is in school, and you’re just one kid in a sea of stereotypical cliques. All schools have them. And yet, I have never fit into any group. I guess you could say I was a floater, or perhaps just an outcast. But when I wasn’t at school amongst kids my own age, I was at home or church. At church, I didn’t fit in with the kids my own age either. I volunteered in the nursery and played with adorable young children. Or, I would talk to the adults about my fears and insecurities. The older people seemed to understand me, and the younger kids didn’t care if I was unpopular. While most kids my age were desperately trying to fit in with their peers, I looked elsewhere for acceptance. I knew it was futile for me to attempt to fit in with kids that I had nothing in common with. So, I found myself becoming friends with people much older and younger than myself. Even now, most of my friends are not my age. And I thank God that I have friends of all ages.

Having friends of all ages is beneficial because there is so much to learn from them. I think one of the reasons that I love having older friends so much is because I’m the oldest in my family. When you’re the oldest, there is no one to look up to because you’re the one being looked up to. I leaned heavily on my parents because they have been through most of what I have yet to experience. But also I have found that having other older friends is beneficial because they, too, have a lot of wisdom to pass down. They remember what it’s like to be my age, but they also know what I have to look forward to. They encourage me to keep going. They remind me that it’s okay to be unique. It’s okay to pursue dreams, but also follow God’s will for your life. They also remind me of the importance of living life to the fullest.

My younger friends are special to me as well, for different reasons. They’re a lot of fun. Younger people keep me lively and… well… young. Sometimes, I have a habit of wanting to live like a grandma even though I’m still a relatively young adult. So having younger people around reminds me of my youth. They remind me to have fun and enjoy each moment. When I’m with them, I shed my seriousness for silliness. Everyone needs to laugh so hard that they cry—it’s good for the soul.

Without my variety of friends, I’d probably be a very bland person. Not fitting in with people of my own age, although disappointing at times, is still proving to be a blessing. I’m reminded that people of all ages are special and have something to offer. God created us to be relational with people of all walks of life.