Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.
As many of you already know, I've declared Sundays to be my day of rest from all things internet. Everything, so far, has gone better than expected as you can read here.
However, this past Sunday is different. The day before, we have to put our beloved cat, Allie, down due to cancer. Danny is scheduled to travel to Nashville for a conference on Sunday afternoon. My stepson, Giovanni, is home for dinner, but goes to his girlfriend's house for an evening visit.
I am, suddenly, all by myself.
Alone.
Oh, how I want to get on that internet! To just connect! Cruise through Facebook! Check my e-mail! Respond to blog comments!
This house is just too big, too empty, too quiet. I so miss my loved ones. I miss my friends. I miss the chatter, the play, the conversations.
I want that internet!!!
And, then, His still, small voice comes to me . . . You are not alone, for I am always with you . . .
His comfort washes over me. I am calmed.
I do some cleaning. I bake cookies. I write up blogs. I indulge in a television program. I listen to our CD from today's worship service. I pray for others. I reflect upon the day and give thanks to my Father that Danny arrived safely at his destination. I pray for travel mercies on his return trip Tuesday.
And, I'm content and at peace.
I'm not alone. I never will be.
For God's promise is true. It is everlasting.
I am with you always to the very end of the age . . .
I don't need the internet.
I need the Lord.
~
When you are feeling alone, to whom do you turn?
Will you pray with me?
Father, we are so grateful that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to save us and assure us that we are never alone. Through the Holy Spirit, He and You are with us every moment. We need never feel lonely if we turn to You each and every day. Amen.
Martha, I'm so sorry to hear about Allie. It's always so hard to lose a pet.
ReplyDeleteI can empathize with you about wanting to 'connect' when you are alone - it happens to me too. Now I'm learning to handle it better and read, write or just meditate. We are never alone. Thank God!
Thanks so much for visiting, Corinne, and for your sympathy. Yes, it is so hard to lose a pet; we just lost Jordan last December, so Allie's passing was particularly difficult.
DeleteIt does take practice to keep ourselves focused AWAY from the lure of the internet. So glad you are handling it well, too!
Love and blessings!
I did see your Facebook status about Allie, Martha. *Hugs* to you ♡
ReplyDeleteI do feel alone from time to time, too, and it makes me sad and sometimes, sorry for myself. And then I tell God how I feel and I would realize that, hey, God is always with me and I am never really alone.
Thank you for the beautiful reminder that God is always keeping us company, Martha. Much love and a blessed weekend to you. ♡
Thanks so much for your hugs, for your visit, and for your kind words, Irene!
DeleteYes, it is so easy to have a pity party when we are feeling lonely and alone. But, is in the realization that we can always turn to the Lord for strength and comfort to see us through. He is always there!!!
Love and blessings!
Martha,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful reflection! It seems to be so "easy" to turn to the internet when we really just simply need to turn to the Lord.
Kim
Thanks so much for coming by, Kim!
DeleteYes, the internet can be such a huge distraction for us in our Christian walk. I'm truly loving my Sunday times.
Blessings!
We all need the Lord Martha. Always. I think I'm following suit with you and taking Sundays off mostly (by the way:)
ReplyDeleteThis reflection reminds of the footprints poem when we wonder, where is God, during our most challenging times in life. Wasn't God supposed to be walking with us but suddenly His footprints disappears. The poem is a good reminder that during our times of suffering, God picks us up and carries us (thus explaining the one set of footprints in the sand)
I love that this reminded you of the Footprints poem, Vishnu. That's exactly what happens. When we mistakenly think He's not there, He's already lifted us up in His arms.
DeleteHope Sundays off will go great for you, too! Thanks so much for coming by today, and for your wonderful comment!
Blessing to you!
Yay to your resolution. Keep it up Martha.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janu! So far, so good!
DeleteLove and blessings to you.
So sorry about your kitty. I saw her photo--so noble! I often read when I'm feeling alone, but I had to think about that, because I rarely feel alone even though I spend a lot of time by myself. Hmm.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Galen, for the condolences. I miss that little kitty so much . . .
DeleteI read, too, when I'm by myself, though lately, I spend more with writing. Glad you never feel lonely when alone! :)
Love and blessings!
Martha, love cats but do not have one now, sorry about the loss of your. A year and half has passed since we moved to California. I know it takes a while to build up friends but I think this move has been the longest. Maybe it's our age, maybe it's the type of ministry we have that involves traveling but I think I have experienced the feelings of being alone more then ever. it is the truth the God is always with me that sustains me daily.
ReplyDeleteLike all season I know this is just one of them and He wants to use it to conform me more into His image. When our grandchildren come to visit the house is full of laughter then they leave and the silence creeps in. This is a very good post, thanks for being so honest.
Thanks so much for coming by, Betty, and for your lovely comment here.
DeleteMoving can be so traumatic, especially when we're older, as we leave behind friends and, so often, family, too. I can just picture the joy in your home when the grandchildren come to visit! I have one granddaughter, and she certainly knows how to rock my world with joy and laughter when she visits.
And, I'm glad that our loving God sustains you in times when you might be feeling low and alone. That's how I get by, for sure!
Blessings to you!
I've just been reminded of this when I read of Ann Voskamp's post yesterday:
ReplyDeleteCybernet disconnect to soul connect {http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/10/missing-him-calling-on-jesus-cyber-disconnect-to-soul-connect/}
There are many times in my life when I felt so lonely ~ it was terrible...I know the Lord is teaching me to lean on Him whenever I felt that way. I've projected my need to other people in hope that my fear would be removed...but the truth is... it is only Jesus who could ever complete me.
It's also a great reminder to rest fully in the Lord and trust that He'll handle everything...
Love this reflections dear friend. Thank you so much!
You are so right, Melissa - there is a hole in our hearts which can only be filled by the Lord. Until we learn to lean on Him and fully trust in His presence within us, we will always feel lonely.
DeleteThanks so much, as always, for visiting, dear one!
Love and blessings!