Thursday, December 28, 2023

Did you know that you're on an adventure? Seriously, even though you might be sitting on your couch right now, eating a donut and sipping on your coffee. You are on a great adventure!

Your Life is your adventure, and it’s made up of a series of small adventures. As kids, we embark on the adventure of school, then move on to the adventure of adolescence, and eventually to the adventures of high school, college, marriage, career, and family. However, life is rarely a neat and orderly journey, and it often gets messy.

Along the way, there are high points giving us reasons to celebrate, but there are also unexpected challenges and tragedies that can seem unbearable and stop us in our tracks.

Thankfully, our adventure is not meant to be done alone. In fact, we need others to adventure with if we wish to move forward on our journey.

A story that helps illustrate this is the fictional adventure story of Frodo Baggins, the hero of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings. His mission was to destroy the Ring of Power, a task that was no easy feat and led him on a dangerous journey.

Thankfully, before setting out on his adventure, eight others stepped up and volunteered to accompany him. This group became known as the "Fellowship of the Ring." Throughout their journey, they worked together to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and challenges. They protected each other, encouraged and motivated each other, and together, they kept moving forward even when it was difficult.

While your adventure may not be as dangerous as Frodo’s, there will still be times when you need a group of others that can help you move forward and accomplish the tasks in front of you.

Here are four ways others help us on our adventure:

1. Companionship: There are times when we get lonely. We become isolated and believe we are the only ones experiencing certain difficulties and challenges. A good group of friends lets you know you're not alone. They can reduce your loneliness, stress, and provide emotional support.
2. Encouragement: Friends can offer words of encouragement and praise to help you feel more confident and motivated. They can remind you of your strengths and accomplishments, and help you see the positive aspects of a situation.
3. Providing a listening ear: Sometimes, all we need is someone to listen to us without judgment. Friends can provide a safe space for you to express your thoughts and feelings and can offer support and validation.
4. Growth: Friends can help us grow in many ways. They can push us out of our comfort zone, hold us accountable, and serve as a source of inspiration. The Bible captures this well when it says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." (Proverbs 27:17)

Do you have a group of people that you’re adventuring with in your life? A group that is helping, encouraging, and standing with you? If not, look for opportunities to connect with others in your neighborhood, at work, or in your church.

And if you already have your group, are you open to inviting others to be part of it? There is someone in your life that needs the support and fellowship your group could offer them, so keep your eyes and hearts open, and ask God to help you see fellow adventurers in your life.