Better with a Friend

I’m an introvert. So is my husband, although he’s more of one than I am. All three of our children also fall on the introvert end of the scale, some more prominently than others.

But none of us likes always being alone.

We seek out one another’s company. We work better together. There is truth in the mentality that everything goes better with the company of a friend.

Take today, for instance.

We frequently pack up our homeschool crates on Wednesdays so we can spend our day at church with Daddy. But occasionally we pack up on other days as well. Like today. It’s Monday, but we’re at church. Why? Because it’s more fun with two (or more).

When school is over and the children disperse for the afternoon, I’m left to work on my own. They might pop their heads into the library now and then to ask a question, grab a hug, or just enjoy my company. I get up to go check on them for the same reasons. But ultimately I’m working on my own. Today I wanted to work with someone. So, I’m propped up on a little moveable table on the other side of my hubby’s desk. We’re not really interacting a lot. We don’t really need to. Something about his presence just makes it a better day.

Meanwhile, there’s my son. Last weekend his big sisters camped out in the smallest of the kids’ bedrooms playing with girly stuff. He felt alone. Today, however, they’re playing with the exact same toys. But, they’re in a bigger room. And he’s right there with them, doing his own thing. Happily. It’s just more fun with a friend.

In our world of digital interaction, we forget that life is so much better with a friend or two. We go through life alone. Even if we work daily with other people, we still isolate ourselves. We no longer have any idea what it means to enjoy silent – or not-so-silent – companionship with another person. We live in a little bubble and limit our communication with others.

Oh how much we miss!!

My friends, never forget that’s it’s always better with a friend. Maybe that friend is your spouse or child. Maybe it’s an extended family member. Maybe it’s a true bosom buddy. Maybe it’s that new gal who sat rather shyly in Sunday school yesterday – the one whose joyful companionship you have yet to discover.

Whoever it may be, it’s always better with a friend. Yes, even when you’re the greatest of introverts. God even created you to need others.

Go find a friend today!