Wide Open Spaces

Late last night I sat down at my computer, read a couple of emails, caught up on some blogs I wanted to read and was completely overcome by the theme that was present in everything I read.

Loneliness.

Without even having to think, I had the names of atleast 10 women on my heart. Some are married. Some single. Some are in relationship with their family. Others are not. Some have children, and others do not. But every single one of these women is experiencing the pain of loneliness. I am a part of that group. Why?

We are relational people. We have been created with a need for connectedness, to be known. First and foremost, God has created us with a desire for Him, and a space that can only be filled by Him. Not food, alcohol, sex, shopping.....only Him.

But He also placed in us a need to be in relationship with others. With one, a small few or many. Our experience of this need is as unique and different as we are from each other. Unique to culture. Unique to gender. Unique to life experience.

Jonathan and David. Ruth and Naomi. Even Jesus, as He traveled with the disciples, had a smaller group of close confidants. Friends.

So why are so many people, so many women sitting with the pain of loneliness? Of feeling disconnected. Unknown. Invisible. Why is the search for relationship, for connectedness, such a struggle? Have we contributed to a culture that works against relationship, against the need for others? No time. Not enough energy. Divided loyalties. There is a sacredness that I fear has been lost somewhere along the way, sacrificed to something that is completely foreign to the makeup of the heart.

There is so much more to say, so much more that I want to write, but my head is too full and my heart too heavy. I would love to hear your thoughts.

More later. Until then, peace to each of you on the journey.