Alone?

How often is it you wish you could be alone? Just about every day, at some point in the day, especially if you have little children running to and from in your family, right? Or maybe you are the family chauffer and sitting at a stop light (again!) or driving mile after mile you think, when will I have time to myself? Got teenagers who think you’re from another planet? It would be great to get some time away from them; totally alone! Quite possibly you are working, in an office of some type, and you can’t wait until everyone leaves you alone! Even in your own castle, you feel pulled from one family member calling out for you, to the phone ringing, to the computer beeping, door bell ringing, family pooch at your knees, and the oven timer is about ready to go off. The thought comes to mind that you may be one who just finished at the office, drove through the traffic, and enter your castle to a myriad of voices and those needing attention and you think, when can I have some time alone? Will it ever stop? Don’t you just want to be alone?

I’ve been there – done that! And, now I am alone, well sort of! It’s not totally a sad thing believe me. It is very interesting though. You see, for 2 years it’s been my wonderful husband and I. You think to yourself, oh you lucky girl (well, you fortunate lady!). Yes, I am! And I am very thankful for that. But seriously, it’s been interesting and at times difficult. YOU, the kids and their families, the one-on-one intentional conversations with meat and matter in them, the light hearted chit chat of friends and neighbors, these are what’s missing.

You see, God made us for one another, to love one another, to serve one another, to commune with one another. In our Lumps of Clay study we have had this driven home to us. Another commandment is to love our neighbors which means we have to get to know them! Serving one another is also important, as we are all the same body. It takes communication within the body to function effectively. But when you are alone, unaccompanied, out there on your own, asking yourself if you are fulfilling these purposes, doubt seems to creep in. Then you weigh the fact that you are in the place you are (by yourself, with your husband) in answer to the prodding of the Holy Spirit and in obedience to God the Father. WHEW! I have to think on these things over and over, not because I want to but because as I was recently reminded ….this is life!

A Pastor friend of mine (Pastor Kevin Twombly, from New Hampshire) blogged an experience he had. I’ve copied it here (with his permission, of course).

I See You

kevintwombly | November 7, 2010 | 0 Comments

This morning at our second service I excused myself during worship to go use the facilities. As I walked through the lobby I noticed two men who have been regular attenders for a while. Both of these gentlemen are homeless and get a ride with another member from the church. As I walked near them I made a point to stop and say hello to each of them and mention that it was great to see them. The reply from one of the men, which would have meant nothing if it were anyone else, shook me to my core. “It’s good to be seen.” was his reply. At that very moment I realized that both of these men have spent far too many days sitting in public places where most people avert their eyes from them as they pass them by. A simple “hello” and a handshake brought them back into community and existence.

My prayer today is that the Lord gives each of us eyes to see those who truly need to be seen.

These two men were also possibly feeling alone in a crowd! It’s their place in life at the moment, to be homeless. I think it’s so cool that Pastor Kev began to ‘see’ them with new insight and opened eyes.

Now I know you are thinking, but we’re not alone. God is with us! Yep, we know that. We are talking about minimum to non-existent daily substantial conversations with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have been living in a foreign country, trying to understand and speak a foreign language, and managing to get along. We’ve made a lot of friends. The Peruvians are always warmly greeting us, love on us, and want to care for us. But, seriously, when the total conversation in passing consists of: “Hello! How are you? God bless you!” there isn’t much you can do to build a relationship where you can share and grow together in the Lord. We are missing a few ingredients to successfully fulfill the Word. We can keep the fires going, and God’s love shows through in our body language, but the laughing, crying, sharing, praying, exchanging of ideas and thoughts are missing. We feel alone! At times I would go so far as to say I feel deserted or abandoned.

When we go to church there are over 500 people at the service. When we are on a bus, it is usually pretty packed and I feel blessed to find a seat. The grocery store has lines at the check-out. The Mercado is crowded with people and a little overwhelming! There are people everywhere – we are not alone, but we may feel alone in a crowd of two dozen or a few hundred. So, what can I do? How do I handle it? Where is the body of Christ to encourage and support me? I focus on being thankful and praising the Lord continually. Oh some of you may hear from me, and I may vent to you about something or other, but I’m still very thankful for you and your patience and under-standing of me, so our Father hears all about that too!

Alone! Ummm….not so bad after all.