I wrote this post last week, and it’s not really where I’m at right now. I had a wonderful time with my ABF class at church on Saturday which was exactly what I needed. Still, I wanted to share what I’ve been through because I know there are others who are still there or will be there.
In the past week or so, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Not only is there the usual ache of walking alone on a path built for two, but there has been added emphasis on how alone I truly am through several unrelated incidents.
Perhaps it’s silly, but hearing from others about their loneliness makes me lonely. Perhaps it’s what happens when you’re truly sharing one another’s burdens, you feel what they feel. I’m glad to do it for friends, old or new.
Another thing that can (and has) made me lonely is to know that a crush won’t work out. Not that I necessarily assume it will, but hopes disappointed always hurt, don’t they?
Then there’s the disappointments that can come from friendships. Being sinful creatures, we’re bound to let each other down, aren’t we?
So, I just wanted to share that I’ve been lonely. I know that I’m not the only one, so perhaps hearing my story will help someone else feel less lonely. There is comfort in the loneliness, and for that I’m incredibly grateful. I have friends and family who love me through this time. But most of all, though, the comfort comes in the fact that this world won’t last forever.
And I can’t wait until the next.
Photo by JuriaYoshikawa
My heart is burdened by these words, Ronnica. I wish I had some comfort for you, but I just don’t. I can say that it is wise to continue to prepare yourself for whatever may come. Prepare your body physically, emotionally, and spiritually to be beautiful to someone else. I know that our world has a “if you love me, you’ll have to take me the way I am” approach, but I think it’s important for us (men and women) to keep trying to make ourselves beautiful in ALL of those ways. It shows we care about ourselves. It also shows that we want to please our mate (or future mate) and serve him by being the best woman we can be. May I also suggest that you talk to women at church who are older than you and unmarried. I know there are at least a few! Gain wisdom and coping skills from them as well.
On a different note, I miss seeing you around and being able to talk! I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and be careful traveling!
Perhaps it is Satan making sure you come down from your moutaintop experience in Turkey. We all experience that feeling, I think, even if we’re surrounded. So glad that you’re not still at that place though! :)
Thank you for this because, yes, there is comfort in knowing you arent “alone” in the situation..
I am fighting that lonely feeling myself… & yes, I’m married & am always surrounded by friends… but loneliness still can creep in & set in the heart. Its a very hollow feeling… I appreciate your post.
And here I am to tell you even at my age there are times of loneliness when you know family is gone, children grown, seem like they don’t care any more. HOWEVER, GOD is never out of the picture. How much comfort I feel sitting in my rocking chair, looking out the window, knowing HE is everywhere, and that HE is there for me. Try seeking out another person, HE will show you, who you think is lonely, talk to them…share your loneliness. Step out, up, or whatever…you are not alone.
I am sorry you are going through this. I have never been where you are emotionally, because before I met Peter, I never had the desire for marriage and children. I was happy working, going to school, and traveling.
But there are times I feel like Rebecca Jo….no matter if you are married or not…you can feel alone even though you are surrounded by tons of people.
{{{HUGS}}}
Elizabeth: Thank you. This has been a trying time, but I have been clinging to God through it and can almost feel myself growing. I know I have a LONG ways to go, but I’m going in the right direction. And I’ve missed seeing you around, too…saw Avery yesterday morning, and I of course made her give me a hug!
Vicki: I know that Satan has a hand in it, because this loneliness could have derailed me in Turkey (that’s when it started). Instead, I chose to use it to help me focus on God.
Rebecca Jo and Jacki: Sometimes it just seems like others couldn’t be lonely because of X, so it’s great to hear you guys agree (though I wouldn’t wish loneliness on you!).
G. Zoe: We DO care, truly. Can’t wait to see you in a couple of days!
hugs and love to you.
email me anytime, i am here for you.
I love and appreciate your honesty in posts such as these. It really is beautiful to see. And it’s REAL (which I love). Thank you for it….it is your ministry (even if you might wish for another)….for now.
We all go through times of loneliness… not much comfort, I know. But know that this too will pass.
Hugs!
Awww thanks for sharing. I definitely know how that feels, I’ve been feeling that way a bit lately.. but I know it does pass, as always! And life is good!
Isn’t interesting to hear that even people surrounded by immediate family feel loneliness too? It’s something I bet most people think they’ll never be once they have a spouse or children but that just isn’t the case.
My mother has been feeling a deep loneliness right now too. Dad’s been gone for 17 months and it’s as raw and empty as the day he left, if not more so with each passing day. It’s something as a daughter and friend I can’t fix, even with frequent invites and visits. I wish I could heal the hearts of all my loved ones and friends but unfortunately, cannot.
I’m glad you did this post. It’s nice to hear the real life things that happen or are felt instead of the just the rainbows and sunshine.
When I look back I can remember those times of loneliness and the immense pain that they bring. Having friends tell me that “God has someone waiting for you” made it even more difficult at times. We have no way of telling what God has in store around the corner and at the time I didn’t know if I was about to meet the love of my life or if I’d spend the rest of my life alone.
My wife and I met when we were both 28. I really wish that we’d met earlier but it seems that wasn’t the plan.
I’ll continue to pray that God brings you comfort in the lonely times and that someone who’s worthy of such a special lady will cross your path very soon.
Sweet Ronnica, I will echo what others have said. It is good that your are learning how to turn to God in times of loneliness because loneliness does not necessarily equal alone. There will be times in your life when you are surrounded by all that you wanted, and you will have seasons of loneliness. If you can learn what to do in those times now, it will serve you very well in your years to come!