Try Something New

 

What’s new? 

A girlfriend I’d been wanting to know better called and asked if I’d like to get together and go for a walk. Alarms went off in my head. Meet for coffee? Sure. Go out for lunch? Yes! Walk? Mmmmn, no. “Walk?” I asked suspiciously. “Sure, walk and talk,” she replied cheerfully.

This is not a good idea, I thought. I hadn’t exercised in a long time. I don’t own yoga pants or exercise clothes. The closest thing to a walking shoe I own is a pair of Reeboks that I bought for an aerobics class I never went to in 1988. 

But I really liked this woman and wanted to spend the time with her.  It’s just walking, I figured. Surely I can try something new. I can walk!

Just to clarify, I asked, “Where would we walk?” I looked hopefully out the window as we talked, willing thunderstorms to come rolling in, but alas, clear skies.

“How about we walk around Reed’s Lake?” she said. Reeds Lake is a small body of water in the center of Grand Rapids. I only knew that because one of my favorite eateries was settled on its shoreline. Maybe I could divert her inside.

Another long pause on my part. Finally, “How far around is that?” “Just 4.15 miles.” The fact that my friend knew it was exactly 4 point 15 miles should have tipped me off that her pace was going to challenging. “We’ll go slowly and if you get tired, we’ll stop,” she said reading my mind. 

“Okay, sounds fun,” I lied.

I put on a pair of grey sweatpants that were actually old pajama bottoms and a T-shirt, laced up my venerable shoes, and set off to meet my girlfriend. 

At the designated parking lot, skinny women in spandex and ponytails trotted by. Nothing on them jiggled. I rolled my eyes. What was I thinking? My friend spotted me and waved. It was too late to call in sick or retreat. We walked and talked and walked and walked and walked.

At the 3 mile mark, I seriously considered hitchhiking back to my car, but I have to admit that it felt good to be out in the fresh air and do something new. It was delightful to hear what was happening and exciting in my new friend’s life. If my muscles haven’t seized up by tomorrow, I might just try it again. 

How about you? Is God inviting you into something new? A new experience or new friendship? Why not say yes and see where it takes you! Tell me about it in the comments. 

 

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV)

Prayer: Father, I ask you to gently lead us into our futures. Lead us toward great friendships and new experiences. Protect us from ruts and rituals that prevent new growth and keep us from the rich life you offer. Amen.

6 Comments

  1. Ruth Marie Burnett on November 11, 2019 at 1:40 am

    Yeeess.. I recently went on a friend walk with a total stranger.. Turns out we are a lot alike and she is very kind and sweet. We meet up every mon and weds, and walk and talk!

    • Robyn Dykstra on November 11, 2019 at 4:24 pm

      Hurrah! Isn’t that just like God to give us even more than we expect?
      Thanks for your post and inspiration!

  2. Ruth Rottier on November 11, 2019 at 3:33 am

    I had my grand dog all summer while the kids built their new house and moved here from Florida. She loved to walk so we walked a mile every morning and after dinner. I love to walk and I dropped a few pounds which was great. Walking and fresh air does something to the soul plus it’s very healthy. However when Stella went to her new home and she wasn’t here to discipline me I found I didn’t walk every day, much less twice a day. I still really try to walk at least three times a week because it gives me energy and I feel much better when I do. Hope you continue to walk often also.
    Thanks for your continued blogs. I really do enjoy them. Love your sense of humor.

    Thanks

    • Robyn Dykstra on November 11, 2019 at 4:20 pm

      Hey Ruth,
      Isn’t it true that we need each other and the occasional canine to stay on course!
      I appreciate your post!

  3. Linda on November 11, 2019 at 11:21 am

    Hi Robyn! My “something new” is that my son was elected Mayor of Clarion last week! It’s all very exciting but comes with a whole new set of prayers! Please pray that Brett will look to God for guidance and wisdom and that he will be protected from negative comments. I’m praying that he will be a “light” in the community. This is a whole new thing for our family. I know that everything goes better with God! Thank you! (By the way, I am one of your fans from the Knox Ladies Seminar. I had a bad cold last year when you were our speaker and could only tap your shoulder to say hello! )

    • Robyn Dykstra on November 11, 2019 at 4:18 pm

      Hi Linda,
      Yes, I remember. Thank you for sharing your encouragement and not your cold with me last year. 🙂
      How wonderful for your family to be influential in your community. Yes, I agree in prayer with you for Brett to have the wisdom of sages and for everyone to be able to deflect negativity. Jesus! amen.

Leave a Comment