There’s something important to realise about friendships and relationships. The majority of our friendships are activity based. This means that throughout life, we will meet most of our friends through some kind of social activity, and become connected by mutual and common interests.
If we don’t participate in social activities, or ever make ourselves step out of our comfort zones from time to time, we will miss out on the majority of opportunities to make friends and meet new people.
Social activities can be almost anything: Working on something together in school or at a job, playing sports together, studying together, meeting people at church, travelling together, and participating in a hobby together. The opportunities to connect with others is only limited by our imagination.
As adults we usually need an activity as an excuse to get out and socialise. That’s because we can all get so busy we can forget to pursue other interests, or spend time building relationships. We find ourselves doing only what is absolutely necessary for daily existence. Often “bogged” down by everyday life, and no longer going out to socialise We neglect exploring new or existing hobbies, meeting people or even spending time with the people we already know.
Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone”. (Mark 16:15) But unless we actually meet people and go out into the world; into the places where people are, no one is ever going to hear “The Good News” from us.
Today I encourage you to press the pause button, and examine what you are spending your time doing. Are you just existing, or are you living? When did you last socialise or meet someone new? What interests are you pursuing, and when did you last have some fun?
“Don’t get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life!”
Jesus came to give us more than a life filled with work, and stress, and toil. Of falling exhausted onto the couch every night. He said “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows”. (John 10:10 -Amplified Version)
If you find you are in a “rut” be encouraged to make a list of all the places and activities you might consider exploring, and maybe even getting involved in. The world is waiting, and there are people God has planned for you to meet and share your life and story with.
Here are a few ideas to get your exploring and socialising started:
Acting, antiquing, archery, arts, basketball, bell ringing, beach, board games, bowling, cake decorating, camping, caving, cheer leading, chess, church, collecting stuff, cooking, crafts, cycling, dancing, drawing, entertaining, exercise, fencing, fishing, gardening, geocaching, golf, hiking, horse riding, kayaking, knitting, movies, model aircrafts/railroads, motor sports, mountain climbing/biking, music, playing an instrument, painting, photography, reading, running, sewing, singing, skiing, swimming, team sports, tennis, theatre, travelling, working on cars, weightlifting, wood working, writing, ultimate Frisbee, volunteering, zumba.
Prayer: Lord help me to see all the opportunities, places and people you have planned for me to explore. I don’t want to just go through my life existing, and not ever really living. Please give me the wisdom, energy and boldness to get out into the world. To meet and be involved with those activities and people you have purposed for me to meet and enjoy. In Jesus Name Amen.