Alone Together

Have you ever been in a crowded room, yet felt completely alone? I may not have had a crowded room in the last few weeks, but I’ve sure felt alone even when surrounded by my family.

I have a husband and two children (well, teenagers). Four of us living together in the house. We have self-quarantined due to my husband’s low immune system. The first couple of weeks were very exciting for me. Quality time together. We watched movies, played games, had conversations, studied the Bible, you name it. After the first couple of weeks, however, we continued to do those things but something changed. Something was missing.

The other day I was especially feeling the isolation. I approached my hubby and wrapped my arms around his middle. He squeezed me back. Then I headed to find the kids. I found my son first, and asked him to come here. I think he was a bit nervous. But I repeated the gesture, and with a little more prompting he squeezed back. My tank was almost to capacity. Shortly after, my daughter walked into the room and I pulled her in for an embrace. Welcoming it, she returned the hug. There. I explained to them when they all looked at me oddly that even though we’re stuck home for the time being, we still have needs. We all have the need to be hugged. Physical touch. I hug my family, I hug my friends, heck I hug people I’ve just met (as long as my safe-o-meter is working).

If you’re anything like me, we need people. So how do we survive when we’re told to stay away from each other? With social media the way it is, we are fortunate to be able to virtually see and talk to our friends, even if we can’t get a real hug. But did you also know the Bible tells us we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother? (Proverbs 18:24). That friend has a name—Jesus. He is always with us, even during our lonely times. I may not be telling you anything new, but have you taken advantage of this time and started talking to him? I’ve talked to him for years, but being home I’m learning how to talk to him on a much deeper level. He wants to be present in our lives, and I think we can use this time of isolation and loneliness as a wonderful opportunity to become best friends with the best friend we could ever have.

So stay encouraged. God knows what we’re all going through and He is calling us to grow closer to Him. Take advantage of it!