Outing

She mentioned that she was going and had already purchased her ticket for the following night and asked if I would be interested.It was Jennifer's idea to go to the Museum of Natural Science and hear Marks Hinton speak on the stories behind some of the Houston street names. Sure! And Molly was standing with us and said I want to go to...and then we called Jamie and she said absolutely. It ended up being an unexpected, impromptu girls night out, ending with a light fare back in our neighborhood.Well, almost a girls night out, Jenn's husband Jon was on his way home and we loved having him join us for dinner.

It just takes someone having an idea, just one idea to get things sparked up. I am not usually the resourceful one when it comes to adult and cultural interests. Jennifer has this springboard of opportunities that she has solicited on her computer and she follows through. It was only for a couple of hours, oh but it was a delightful night of interesting city history, conversation and stories for all. All from one person making one suggestion and including others.

Too many times we think we have to have some great idea or place to go or something to do before we ask someone to join us, when in fact it is just the "ask" that counts. My brother lives in an assisted living facility, and yesterday I went by and asked him if he wanted to go run errands with me. He was delighted with the invitation. It was just a change of scenery. Just a little something different and someone to visit with. Again, it is not where you go but the "thought that counts". When it is carried through, it can make such a difference in someone's day. It presents a lift in attitude, and a perk in what seems to be a ho hum day. Having something to do and someone to do it with and something other than the same ole, same ole to think about. We all need a little variety, and variety does spice things up a bit. You never know what a new experience might do to generate thoughts and ideas for another new experience.

Sometimes we are the initiators of an activity, sometimes we are benefactor of an invitation. But on either side of the coin if is people being with people. You can have a ton of friends, and still be lonely at times. And that lonesome deal can get hold of us and isolate us and bring us down if we are not careful. We can't wait on others to soothe that feeling, we have to learn to be the initiators of an activity, however small it is. People do need people. And it is when we think we are fine without them that we find ourselves getting pulled down by the quicksand of burdens and negative sentiments. A casual conversation with

a friend, an acquaintance or ever a passer by can spark a light of freshness within us. Isolation can imprison us if we let it.

The Lord of course was speaking of Adam when he made this statement:

Genesis 2:18
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to
be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

But isn't it true that we all need helpers. People about us to help us see a different perspective, or people beside us to

support us through their faith, encouragement, and strength. We are placed on this earth to serve first God then others.

The following verses are about the blessings of companionship.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
My Life Application Bible, New Revised Standard Version, states the following explanation regarding these verses:
"There are advantages to cooperating with others. Life is designed not for isolation, but for companionship; not for loneliness but for intimacy. Some people prefer isolation because they feel they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, however but to serve God and others. Don't isolate yourself from others and go at it alone. Seek companionship and be a team player."

I am content many times to just feather my nest and lay low, but I know that serving others is part of God's plan. Whether it is serving Him through my family, or friends or acquaintances along the way, I don't have to seek the opportunities, he places them before me. I am to be either the initiator or the recipient, but whatever side of the coin I may land on, I am called to be involved and not isolated.
It was a casual outing that made for a wonderful time of just being together. God has opportunities in store for today, can't wait to see them.
Dear Lord, Oh the blessings of family and friends. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you through them, and the joy that you unleash as we experience them.Amen

Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation he has allowed you to be in and his glory will shine through.