It
is possible to be surrounded by others with lots of activities taking place and
still feel lonely. It is precisely in
such situations that some people feel loneliness most acutely. Walking down a busy street, seeing others
engaged in animated conversations or holding hands might bring a smile to some but
it can be like a dagger in the heart.
Loneliness
is a major health problem. It has become recognised as a contributory factor in
a number of illnesses, and even a cause of premature death. Those suffering from loneliness can be closer
to us than we think, but completely unrecognised. While some do combat loneliness in various
ways, those who suffer acutely rarely share this fact with others – not even
their doctors or church ministers. On
the other hand some folk relish solitude.
It isn't just the elderly who become victims to loneliness, but it is often
brought on following loss of loved ones and their companionship. Some keep busy through the day but dread the
evenings and night times. One way of
avoiding loneliness is to develop a good social network in the real world and
not just the internet. Rural communities
have their fair share of lonely people and we would do well to ensure that
people on their own are not deprived of the opportunity to enjoy social
interaction. A phone call might help a
lonely evening. An invitation to join
others in a trip out (even shopping) can become the highlight in someone’s day.
Jesus
was aware of the benefits of solitude but also the pain of loneliness. Even as he hung on the cross he felt
abandoned. As he approached the end of
his time on earth he told his disciples that they would not be left alone. Some versions of the Bible use the term ‘left
as orphans’. He promised his presence in a new but similar way – through the
real presence of the Holy Spirit. During
May we celebrate the gift of this new Companion, and the promise “I will be
with you always, to the end of the age.”
I
commend getting to know God in this way, as a friend and companion, and will
gladly help anyone to discover this. But the same God once said, “It is not
good for man to be alone”, so let’s ensure we are all here for one another, but
do so sensitively and without unnecessarily intruding.
Barry Osborne 16/04/2013
