Trying Something New

“If you are free tomorrow, you could come and work out with me. It’s so relaxing,” a new friend texted one evening as I was coming home from an event. Why not? I thought as I texted her back asking for more details. When the morning came, I was excited but also filled with trepidation. I’d never been to this facility before, and I wondered what the other women would be like. I made my way to the studio and was greeted by my friend. We entered the facility and she began to show me around. As other women came in, she introduced me and started small talk among us. We worked out together (she was right, it was very relaxing!) and then afterward we visited with the other women for a few more minutes before saying our goodbyes.

As I left the studio, I was struck by how often I go about my daily routines and rarely step into a new space or activity, by how little I engage in trying new things or meeting new people. Or when I do meet new people, it’s in a context where I already feel very comfortable: at my moms’ group, at my church, or in my neighborhood. This experience encouraged me to pursue more unfamiliar opportunities, because even though it was slightly uncomfortable, it was also fun to try something I hadn’t done before.

God spoke to Israel through Isaiah to say that he was going to do something new, that in fact it was already in process—but he questioned if the people could see it. God, I believe, does not change; what he spoke in Scripture is still true today. He is always doing something new, but do we see it? Do we try new things? Do we open ourselves up to new experiences or people? Who knows the friendships that could be formed if we’d step out of our comfort zones and into unknown places.

Today’s Act of Friendship: Take a friend to try something you’ve never done: whether it’s a new coffee shop, a new route home, or even a new activity.