Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
These are difficult times for many. We separate ourselves from each other with the hope of avoiding “the virus.”
Our busy lives have slowed or almost come to a halt.
We are, however, blessed to have quiet time. Time to contemplate.. Time to pray. Time to simply “be.”
I’ve been thinking about the difference between being alone and being lonely. Mostly, I am enjoying being alone. I take time for what I hope is a beginning of a closer relationship between me and our Father. That doesn’t mean that I don’t experience feelings of loneliness; after all, I am a human who loves to be with others.
One morning recently, I awoke feeling especially lonely. After due time, feeling sad for myself; the following words, which I want to share with you; came to me:
No one to talk with.
No one to care.
Talk with Lord Jesus who is always there.
No one to talk with.
No one to care.
With Jesus near to love and sustain,
From loneliness we can restrain.
He offers “joy,” not gloom or doom.
Instead in His Love, the gifts of the Spirit bloom.
No one to talk with.
No one to care.
Reach out to a partner by phone or in prayer.
Remember that others may be lonely too.
Talk with them and see what you can do.
Sharing times with friends can still be a joy, this could be the beginning of a new friendship with someone from church that you may want to get to know.
Sir Winston Churchill said: “Let us go forward together.”
I want to add to that thought by saying: “Let 2021 be a time for us to ask members to move forward together with renewed hope and love for the future.”
May God bless you in the New Year.
Pastor Cindy—Pastor Emeritus FCC