Loneliness

This evening I attended a service at Father's House, a local non-denominational church that Kiel has discovered and enjoys attending when he is home. Its quite a switch for anyone used to traditional denominational services, but having spent a great deal of time floating between denominational and non-denominational churches, it felt perfectly valid to me despite the special effects of spotlights, TV cameras, smoke machines, loud music, and lots of visual graphics splashed about on monitors and screens.

Nonetheless, it was good to be encouraged with the upbeat music, the words of Scripture, the engaging activities. The preacher was dynamic, charismatic, appealing, interesting. I appreciated his fervor and passion. He was talking about belonging to a family, both a physical family and a spiritual family. One thing he said stuck with me. "Americans," he quoted, "are the loneliness people on the planet."

Hum. That gives one pause for thought. He went on to say that although we have lots of stuff, we do not major in relationships and often just check out when the going gets inconvenient, leaving us alone - familyless - and therefore lonely.

Well, I don't know that there is any way to substantiate his quote. But I do know that when you have a long term illness, the chance that you will find yourself alone in your fight increases. I encourage you to reach out to those near you who have had a tough go of it last year and who are still dealing with health issues. I call it the "Create Your Own Family" initiative.

Do something nice for them. Take them to a concert, bring them a meal, offer to do their laundry. Not only will it help them and let them know they are not in it alone, but it will do your heart a world of good. Believe me, there are lots of people out there trying to act like they have it together and can manage on their own who would be relieved to find out there is someone who cares.

Its the best cure for loneliness that I know. Find a lonely person and spend some time with them!