Don't Be So Alone That You're Not Within Earshot of Someone Who Can Help You

Ecclesiastes 4:9

We all need relationships so that when we need help it's right there

Soul Food

"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.”

- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)

Soul Search

• How often do you find yourself alone?
  You might be someone who is desperate to find alone time because you are surrounded by people both at work and at home.
  For you, being alone is not a problem. 

• However, there are other people who find themselves alone a lot.
  They might have a job where they are with people during the day but go home at night to any empty house or apartment.
  Or, they might have a remote job where they are at home both day and night without anyone around.
  Others might be widowed and who have children but their children are long gone and they find themselves alone.

  If either of these last two scenarios describe you, where and how do you find social interaction and community? 

• What keeps you from getting out and meeting people?
  Can you be honest with yourself about why you don’t place yourself around other people and why you don’t connect with them?
  Can you talk about why you might be afraid to meet people?

• Probably one of the more difficult situations a person can find him or herself in is living with someone but still feeling terribly alone.
  Are you in a situation like that?
  Is it something you can talk about?

• Do you know someone who you suspect is lonely?
  Is it possible that God might want you reach out to them and spend time with them? 

Soul Moves

• List some ideas for how and when you can get out and meet people. Some ideas might include:

  • Hobbies – look for groups of people that share hobbies or pastimes you are interested in.
    Crafts, painting, card playing, car restoration, woodworking, etc. are some ways to connect with people who share hobby interests with you.

  • Sports – groups who share your athletic pastimes. 

    • Court sports like basketball, pickleball, tennis, etc.

    • Bowling

    • Golf

    • Recreational walking or hiking

    • Bicycling

  • Dancing – ballroom, Texas two-step, line dancing, etc.

  • Book clubs

  • Cooking and Baking clubs

  • Prayer groups & Bible studies

  • Other ways to meet people – make your own list.

• Make a list of people who you suspect might be lonely.
  Come up with a plan to reach out to them and find a shared interest around which you can schedule a time to get together.
  Be creative and come up with ways you can invite single people to do activities with your family.