The night before my departure I briefly realized this would be my first time in the airport alone. It was not a thought that frightened me. But it did intrigue me. At this point in my life, I know how to get through security and find my gate. My bag was way under fifty pounds, so no worries about what I might have to take out and leave behind in a trash can. Of course, it's always nicer when you get pre-screened and don't have to do anything except take your laptop out of your bag and quickly walk through the metal detector with your shoes on! I still haven't figured out how they choose me for such a wonderful gift, but I gladly accept every time. The point is, I am quite confident about my airport abilities.
Still, I suddenly didn't want to go alone. Not because of fear or anxiety, but because it felt lonely. I've either always travelled with a large group or with my husband. Bless his heart, I don't think he has EVER been chosen for pre-screening and he always has to unlace his shoes, take off his belt, empty his change and keys from his pocket...all that stuff. Then there was the time he forgot the ink pen in his shirt pocket and got the total pat-down-package. I was half-way to the gate before I realized he was still in security rolling his eyes while trying to comply with their demands.
Anyway, there's a sense of security that comes from having someone beside you. Especially on an adventure. Plus, the excitement is multiplied and any anxiety is divided when you have someone to share it with. As I thought about going on my trip alone I realized that's what many of us do in the normal everyday. We try to make it alone. We struggle with our baggage, shifting the weight this way or that every few steps, trying to maintain balance as we navigate the flood of roadblocks along the path. We cocoon away into isolation, thinking we are protecting ourselves. Yet, in reality, we are missing out on exciting conversation with the ones we love or meeting new people who may have much insight and color to pour into us. Hiding from the world, we soon forget who we are, losing our identity we simply exist to breathe, eat, sleep, and do it all another day.
Being on adventure with someone is so much better. I mean, in the airport, it's fun to watch people. And when you're with someone close, you know, someone you don't need words and can just communicate with by a glance, you can watch the people and enjoy all the variety together, with nary a word. When you travel with someone, you can share the $9 sandwich and not feel like you're wasting so much by only eating half. You have someone to watch your coffee when you run to the bathroom one last time before boarding. When you travel with someone, you have someone to lean against when you have to sit by a big, hairy man who is sleeping and leaning toward you on the plane. (Yeah, that's awkward.)
And then I had this thought: God didn't mean for us to go through life alone. He wants to be with us. That's why He gave us the Comforter. His Spirit. Here on earth. He wants us to be on adventure with Him and let him share the good and bad times. He is waiting to be invited and be our companion on this adventure we are living. Of course, I have a song. It goes like this,
No, never alone
No, never alone
He promised never to leave me
Never to leave me alone.
So, friend, we don't have to go it alone. We don't have to carry that sense of loneliness. We have a constant companion in Jesus and he is delighted to walk by our side. While I enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle, I have to be careful not to become too comfortable in my solitude. It's not a bad thing to be alone, but we were meant to bear each other's burdens. We are instructed to encourage each other. "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
We never have to live the adventure alone. The reality is God wants a relationship with us, and we can depend on him to always be there. He promises, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
So, are you Living the Adventure?
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