My mother-in-law is transitioning to assisted living. She fears being abandoned by her children. No one should be alone. This is the source of a great deal of anguish and pain, especially for the elderly. We humans are not made like that, we are social creatures who are made to interact and be with others. Everyone should be able to rely on friends and family for support and interaction. When I was young, I worked with a man who had not spoken to his brother in 35 years. My father had a sister who moved to California before I was born and never spoke with him or the family again. I never met or spoke to her. There is something very sad about that. I hope that she found a community of friends or a church of which to be a part.
Church has always been a place where my wife and I felt supported, we were known and knew others. When our kids were young, we had scout friends and band friends and play date friends. But these changed over time. Our church community has always been a more stable source of relationships. We have found wonderful and caring people there, people who share similar attitudes, beliefs, and practices. It is for us a rich fabric of connections. And we have grown greatly within this loving atmosphere of support and care. So much good has come from it. I cannot imagine not having people of faith as friends. As a result, we have been touched by God’s love in real and powerful ways. I pray that for those who do not have this joy of deep friendship in their lives, that God will help them to encounter it. I pray that God will provide all people with supportive relationships, so that no one will be alone. Help us Lord to touch those lonely people we encounter with your love, so that they will feel included and be connected.
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
“We must always act in the way that will give most glory to God.”
~ Thoughts of the Cure D’Ars
