I remember a lunch outing years ago. A number of co-workers and I were seated at a restaurant, awaiting our meal. Most of them were engaged in vibrant conversation, bashing various departments and management, complete with those ugly, clashing cuss words. I *mistakenly* (yet politely) spoke up, wondering why we even had to discuss work issues during a free time when we’re away from the office? Silence instantly came over the table. That was also one of the last times I was invited to lunch.
Living for God can be a very lonely road. Even among like-minded peers, you can find yourself on the fringes. In choosing to distance yourself from incessant complaining, gossip and judgmental talk, you can will stick out. No longer are the outcasts those who are persistently bitter and/or have bad odour.
It’s okay to be lonely.
I’d rather be lonely yet at peace in my heart. It does not mean that perfection has been achieved. We were created with a desire for social living. We need each other to survive, to encourage, to uplift. And as a Christian, it’s important to live in a way that best represents Christ and His Word. Jesus, too, had periods of loneliness.
After His baptism, Jesus went off to the wilderness and fasted for 40 days. Alone. Understanding that His relationship with God was as vital as oxygen, Jesus often went off by Himself to pray and connect with His Father. Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He begged His closest disciples to pray on His behalf, Jesus found them asleep. Leaving Him all alone.
It’s important to note how Jesus handled this loneliness. There were no pity parties or ‘woe is me’ moments. He didn’t get all emo on His friends, with a dramatic confrontation about how He felt deserted. He didn’t use that time to indulge in self-pleasures while no one watched.
Jesus accepted that loneliness was to be part of His journey. In order to be the ultimate example, He had to live and experience all aspects of life.
While being lonely is rough, it’s not impossible…
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There are so many places this prompt could’ve gone. This is the joy of five-minute Friday. You start writing with no clear end in sight, most times. The outcome is amazing.
(I’ve started a new series, exploring aspects of race through my story. I’d love for you to join me 
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