Living an Abundant Life Doesn’t Mean Living a Perfect One

If you follow me on social media, you might think I’m always doing something.

One weekend I’m at a concert.

Another day I’m traveling.

Sometimes I’m at dinner with friends.

Sometimes I’m at a soccer game, a Bible study, a coffee shop, or spending time with people from completely different parts of my life.

The funny thing is…

That’s only part of the story.

What social media doesn’t show is the quiet mornings at my kitchen table with my Bible and coffee. The afternoons I spend working from home. The evenings when it’s just me, my thoughts, and Jesus. The nights I happily turn down invitations because I genuinely want to stay home.

I actually love being alone.

That sentence would have terrified an earlier version of me.

Years ago, being alone often felt lonely.

Now it feels peaceful.

I’ve learned there’s a huge difference between solitude and loneliness.

Because when you know you’re never truly alone, solitude becomes a gift.

I think sometimes people misunderstand people who are naturally social.

Being social doesn’t necessarily mean you’re trying to escape your life.

It doesn’t mean you’re seeking attention.

It doesn’t mean you’re afraid to be by yourself.

Sometimes it simply means God created you to enjoy people.

Romans 12 reminds us that we were created differently.

Some encourage.

Some teach.

Some lead.

Some serve.

Some show mercy.

And some simply have a gift for bringing people together.

I’ve realized over the last few years that relationships matter deeply to me.

I have friends from church.

Friends from real estate.

Friends from high school.

Friends I’ve met through writing.

Friends I’ve known for years.

Friends I’ve only recently met.

None of those relationships replace one another.

Each one has taught me something different about life, about people, and about God.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says,

“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

God never intended us to walk through life completely alone.

He designed us for community.

At the same time…

Community doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.

I’ve become much more protective of my peace.

I don’t go simply because everyone else is going.

I don’t chase every invitation.

I don’t need to be everywhere.

But when an opportunity comes to make memories, encourage someone, strengthen a friendship, or simply enjoy this beautiful life God has given me…

I usually say yes.

Not because I’m trying to stay busy.

Because I’m trying to stay present.

James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from above.

Friendship is a gift.

Laughter is a gift.

Music is a gift.

Travel is a gift.

Sunsets are gifts.

Coffee with a friend is a gift.

Watching my children laugh is a gift.

Why would I refuse the gifts God has placed in front of me if they don’t pull me away from Him?

I used to wonder if enjoying life so much somehow made me less spiritual.

Then I realized something.

Jesus went to weddings.

He shared meals with friends.

He celebrated.

He rested.

He withdrew to lonely places to pray.

He spent time with crowds.

He spent time with His closest friends.

He spent time completely alone with the Father.

There was rhythm.

Not constant isolation.

Not constant activity.

Both.

Luke 5:16 says,

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16

And throughout the Gospels, we also see Him surrounded by people.

Maybe that’s the balance we’re supposed to strive for.

Time with people.

Time with God.

Time to rest.

Time to celebrate.

Time to pour out.

Time to be filled back up.

One of my favorite verses is Colossians 3:17:

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” — Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do.

That includes dinners with friends.

Concerts.

Vacations.

Game nights.

Coffee dates.

Even ordinary Tuesday afternoons.

The question isn’t, “Am I doing enough?”

The question is, “Am I honoring God in what I’m doing?”

If the answer is yes…

Then live.

Laugh hard.

Love people well.

Create memories.

Be generous with your time.

Rest when you need to.

Say no when you should.

Say yes when God opens the door.

Because this life is a gift.

Not something to simply survive.

Something to steward well.

Something to enjoy.

Reflection

Are you living from fullness… or are you constantly trying to fill emptiness?

Only you and God know the answer.

Maybe today He’s inviting you to slow down.

Or maybe He’s inviting you to say yes to the dinner invitation you’ve been afraid to accept.

Maybe He’s asking you to spend more time with people.

Or maybe He’s asking you to spend more time with Him.

Either way, remember this:

God isn’t glorified by how busy we are or by how isolated we become.

He’s glorified when we faithfully steward the life He’s given us—and live it with gratitude, wisdom, and joy.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24

— Naureen