In spite of my unworthiness He; the King of the Universe and Creator of the World chooses me. He allows me to receive His very body and blood and to have a meaningful relationship with Him. This alone should keep me from spells of loneliness. To know that I have the Almighty Father as a guide, a friend, and a savior reminds me that I am never truly alone. Yet sometimes, especially this time of year when the days are short, the air is cold, and life seems frozen in grey tones my feelings can overshadow reason and a sad lonely cloud envelopes me.

I am at the cemetery where my mom is buried staring at a tree. It stands bare and alone on the snowy winter landscape. This tree has all it needs; soil, water, and sunshine yet it looks lonely to me. By design that tree has no feelings. It doesn’t feel left out even though just 100 yards away there is a whole forest of trees that are together. If I were in its spot alone and exposed I would be sad and lonely. It took me a while of staring before I realized that Jesus has felt this too. It seems there is nothing He didn’t feel when He took on human form.  He felt so many terrible feelings during the crucifixion.  I believe loneliness was included, afterall He asked God “Why have you abandoned me?”

I learned long ago in my elementary science class that all animals need to survive is food, water, and shelter. Maybe that is all other species need but as humans we also need meaningful relationships. We have a painful desire deep in their heart to have others around us who truly care for us. That tree may survive and even thrive in its’ lonely spot. The woodland animals nearby can serve their purpose by taking the food, water, and shelter provided to them. Us humans though, we will merely survive with only food, water, and shelter.

Relationships with people can partially fill that loneliness inside of us.  God can fill it completely.  Even though we are not worthy He chooses us, He wants to be with each one of us to care for our needs and bring us into eternity with Him. He provides the people He wants in our lives we just have to notice, take time to see them, and welcome them into our lives. Ironic or maybe so obvious that I don’t even think about it but when the sun shines and it’s a bright beautiful day I don’t feel lonely. Maybe that’s a reminder that like the sun the Son wipes away my loneliness.