By Mark Hopper

I have shared in the past how much I enjoyed walking through my neighborhood. I usually got up early in the morning and walked by myself. I enjoyed seeing a few other people in the early morning hours.

But more recently my walking routine has changed. Now I have been walking with my friend Susan instead of walking alone. I have been walking in the afternoon instead of the early morning. And instead of only walking in my neighborhood I have expanded my horizons to include a local park.

I have found myself more motivated with a walking partner. It was hard to get going on my own. But it has been more fun walking with a friend. We talk about the day and we review plans for tomorrow. We discuss a variety of topics in the local news. And we pray for our adult children and our grandchildren.

There is a passage in the Bible that says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

The author goes on to say, “If two lie down together they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:11-12).

Having a walking partner has helped me be more motivated to walk in my neighborhood and even drive to a local park to walk together. It is more fun walking and talking with a friend.

We all need friends to share the journey with us. Let me encourage you to invite a friend to do something with you. It may be walking or bowling. It may be painting or exercising. There is strength in numbers and greater enjoyment doing something with your spouse or friend. Make a call or send an email and invite someone to do something with you this week. They will be glad you did and you will too.

Read 365 more stories and articles (one for every day of the year) in his second book Let me Encourage You More by Mark Hopper. It is now available for only $25 plus postage ($5) -Order  your copy at mark@efreedb.org.