I know there are moments in our lives, or times of the year that are difficult for many of us.  It can be because of painful memories, or that we feel we cannot share in the joy that perhaps those around us are feeling ...for whatever the multitude of reasons we have.

I would hope there would be enough encouragement and love to go around ...so that no one feels alone.

I would hope that during those moments we feel alone, that each of us would realize that God loves us.

A smile often brings another smile ...a simple outstretched hand, or a simple warm greeting can make the difference.

Often we look for just a little sign or gesture ...that someone cares.

Yes, even Christians, at times, struggle with feeling alone.  You'd hope we'd have enough reason and purpose to not lose focus, but even some of the major prophets felt alone.

We are all looking for something ...

We are taught in the Book of Lamentations, generally assigned to Jeremiah, that even those who have a close relationship with God, can often get despondent during bad times ...as Jeremiah did while dealing with the horrors of war, famine, and exile.  We share in the grief of those who are suffering, and searching for answers to the ever elusive "Why?" questions. 

Some find what little joy they can find in any moment.

Others, we understand why they suffer with endless doubts, continuing to suffer their near inconsolable grief. 

First, help the children ...show them that there is hope in this life.

For those who feel alone ...it should not be difficult to find another who needs comfort.

Sometimes it is in giving a little, that we give a lot. And what joy it brings!! (Franklin Graham sponsoring "Operation Christmas Child" ...Samaritan's Purse shoe boxes.)

All alone, buried beneath the rubble for a week ...and though very weak, this Haitian boy finds reason to rejoice. And he shows us how one moment's perceived inescapable misery, can be the greatest joy in the next labored breath ...if we just wait for it, and take it.

Pastor Tom mentioned how at an airport there are arrival and departure times.

A business trip could be enjoyable, or not ...but if it's a vacation trip, the departure time is something looked forward to ...because of the wondrous arrival anticipated.  

When we arrive, we often call friends or loved ones, and say, "'Wish you were here!!" Postcards are also sent with a similar sentiment. Seldom do you hear someone say they wish they were back from where they departed from; but instead the air is filled with exciting descriptions and stories of what a great time they are having.  

Sadly, when someone departs from this life, we don't get cheerful phone calls, nor postcards. And we certainly miss our dearly departed, knowing they will not be returning to share their wonderful stories.  But, for those within our Christian family, which are hopefully most of our loved ones ...let us be certain they would be saying, "Wishing you were here!"  

Pastor Tom also says, "Soldier on!!"    

I know we hear that being said all over the place, and I understand the meaning for each point of reference.   Here, I look at what Pastor said, and also consider how words like dishonorable discharge, defector, abandoning one's post (I'm not talking about simply abandoning a post on Facebook, or here)  ...those other words affect us, and contain strong connotations. But, simply put, in life, we are here to honorably detect what God intends for us, and to 'soldier on' for the duration of how long He wants us to do it.  

It is a different kind of war we are in ...but it is the most important.  Sadly, many of the people fighting don't understand the nature of the war, and are confused about what they are fighting.   The bottom line is: we may want to be somewhere else, but God wants us here ...and if that changes, I think we will know it.  Meanwhile, if you can identify with someone, don't encourage the misery.  We've all heard the saying, "Misery loves company."  But that's not love ...and it does no more good than rallying around anger.

And I know this may be the unpopular thing to say, but being alone in this life (or perceiving it as such), is better than having to be eternally alone.  Yes, many of us would like to have it better ... but, the best is to not only hope for the best.  It is best to accept the 'Best'.

Jesus waits for all of us to accept; He does not depart from us.  The real tragedy is that not all of us accept Him.  Though the hope is, that while we still have breath ...we can.