Whilst I love living here, even after eight year years, we are still 'newcomers' to those who have lived here all their lives. This has been brought home to me by my friendship with Kay, who has only lived here for the last couple of years. We have both noticed when we go to meetings, even our bible study group, people chat and appear friendly, but it doesn't spill over into our everday lives.
My hubby and I have some friends who call in and phone, as we call in and phone them, and have them over for meals, but these friends are among other comparitive newcomers to the area. I am not complaining, we do have full lives with our entertaining for Aged Care and our interests, but it is so much more difficult for those living alone.
Today we were going out for lunch for Hubby's birthday, and Kay asked if she could join us, and I gladly said yes, though it was a bit of a surprise, then when we were seated, three other friends came in and they were thrilled to join us, Ellen and her severely mentally challenged son, and Betty from my walking group. They were so grateful, saying we made their day etc..... and this is so sad among Christians, people faithfully attending church services every week. Why are people so lonely when we are acquainted with so many from church congregations and community activities we all attend.
It is an old cliche that one can be lonely in a crowd, it brings home that everyone else appears to be confident with lots of friends and we are missing out.
Are we "loving our neighbours" if people at Church and in groups feel so lonely and alone? I must admit we are contented at home, and it is hard get motivated to make the effort to contact and visit others.
We have to reach out more this year, and our lives will be the richer for it.
Linking with Chalotte at Spiritual Sundays
With Peace and Joy,
Jan
9 comments:
Thank you. I have recently been thinking along the same lines. I have to try harder to 'be a friend'. Blessings to you.
it was mother Theresa who said the west doesn't have to deal with leprosy but they deal with something equally difficult....loneliness. thanks for this...
What a nice surprise for you when the others showed up to help celebrate.
I think some churches are much easier to "integrate" into than others. I think it is human nature to be closer to people we have known for a long time but we should be open to new friends as well. I find that when I am more friendly to others they are more friendly with me. I guess it's true that to have friends you must be a friend. Sounds like you are doing just that and hopefully one day you will feel like you are not a newcomer anymore. Perhaps when other new people come to your church you can be an example to the others to welcome them into your circle.
Thank you for sharing on Spiritual Sundays.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Thanks for your thoughts. We aren't lonely ourselves, I was concerned for the others who joined us.
Yes I hope to join Spiritual Sundays regularly.
Blessings,
Jan
Hi Jan, So ironic that when there are so many ways to be "connected" today, there are more people who do feel disconnected! I am part of a covenant community and we have what we call mens and womens groups. Everyone is a part of a group and this is where we are able to share our lives. It's great for people who live alone, whose families are far away, etc. Yes we do have to make an effort to find out if there any people we know who would benefit from a listening ear or a hug even! God bless you for this timely reminder! Patsy from
HeARTworks
I think that it is often common when moving to a small town to find that people who are newer to the area are unable to connect quite as easily..at first. I like the photos and descriptions of where you live! Churches do need to be aware of being welcoming and open to those who might feel a bit left out of the picture. God bless your caring heart for others.
Thank you for this post, these things happen alot and I guess it just goes to show how you never know how you may affect someone's day.
I am so thankful for the church my Granny attends as she lives by herself & distant to us. Somebody is always picking her up to go here or there or just calling in to say hello much needed when an 88yo lives by them self.
Caroline
How nice to meet you. And how neat to read your thoughts here and how they connect to the church and how the church can do and provide so much into the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. I think it is so very important.
*I say this post is 'neat' for my reading today, because just this morning I blogged about how I believe the Lord is wanting me to respond to His church.
Our God is so great, so worthy to be praised!!
Blessings to you:o)
Come on over to visit at my blog home when ever the time welcomes you, I'd love to see you there!
I have a hard time with this because I don't do small talk well. I want to get right in and hear their heart talk.
Post a Comment