Carol Purcell

A couple of nights ago I watched a movie that I had previously seen and enjoyed.  It is called Shall We Dance, starring Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez and Susan Sarandon.  I really enjoy the movie-and could easily watch it again, if only for the dancing. However, there is one scene that made a great impression on me. 

Susan Sarandon is meeting with a private detective whom she hired to follow her husband, Richard Gere.  They have a discussion about why people get married.  Susan says  something to the effect, “People get married so they have a witness to their life.  Some one who knows them and all they do, that makes life worthwhile.”  I may not have quoted it perfectly but you get the message.

Well, I certainly got the message.  That is the reason I feel so lonely at times.  I think that is why others who live alone for any reason feel lonely as they have no one to witness to their lives.  Some one who makes life worth while.   Since I have a personal relationship with Jesus I know He and the Holy Spirit, and my Heavenly Father are always with me and witness my life.  But, it is not the same. 

I am blessed with family and friends, however,  they have their own lives and agenda. My friends have similar emotions and complain that they don’t hear from their family often enough, or see them as much as they would like.

I work at home so for many days I may not see anyone accept a grocery store clerk or someone at the post office.  Some people may enjoy living alone.  In fact a quote in the newspaper recently, was “Solitude is the salt of person-hood.  It brings out the authentic flavor of every experience.”  I personally enjoy quiet time with the Lord, times to read, and do whatever I want.  But I still do not like eating alone, having no one to tell my opinions on evening TV, or how beautiful the sunset is, or the rain on the pine tree in my yard.  Oh yes, I can pick up the phone and call a friend, and believe me I do. It is still not the same.

It dawned on me that no one knows what I do, or how I am from minute to minute or even day to day.  I am thankful for this understanding because now I don’t have to reprimand myself for ‘not being thankful for all that I have.’ 

Then something wonderful happened.  I cleaned out a drawer looking for a greeting card for a special occasion.  I took a minute to pull out some old cards from family and friends, that I have saved for years.  The more I read the more I wanted to read. 

It was such fun, and I thought about what I learned about being lonely.  And, I changed my thinking as I realized I am not alone.  I have wonderful memories, and family and friends to call on when I truly need them.  I plan to add even more memories to savour and remember when a little demon tells me I am lonely.

We all know we have people in our lives who love us.  They aren’t short of love, they are short on time!  And I was just short on perspective; I am so thankful for what I have learned!