There is a big difference between being ALONE and being LONELY, but it has taken me a few months to realize this.
Being ALONE is a physical state. It has to do with being the only person in a particular area. I have been ALONE in my house for a few months- forgive me sweet Truffles, but you are a dog and you cannot talk to me.
Being LONELY is a mindset. It has to do with how I allow myself to feel. I allow myself to focus on the fact that there is not another human being here and I allow myself to sink into the negative feelings relating to that.
As a Christian, I had to come to grips with the fact that I did not have someone here to greet me each night and ask, “How was your day?” I did not have someone to help dig into the laundry or the dishes when I had experienced a long day and just wanted someone else to help. I did not have someone to curl up next to for warmth during a cold snap.
What I DID have was someone that was ever present, always there to listen and offer support.
I truly think that God has presented me with an OPPORTUNITY– an OPPPORTUNITY to read my Bible more, an OPPORTUNITY to experiment with my creative talents, a OPPORTUNITY to grow as both a person and a Christian!
One of the things that I have been doing with some of my time is Bible journaling. Here is my entry for today:
I have had this particular Bible for months. It has been sitting here in my craft room, still in the box, untouched. I was feeling a bit intimidated by all of the empty space on a page and wondered if I really had the creativity to fill it. A few weeks ago I finally got up the nerve to open the box, take out the Bible, and put pen to the pages. God has given me that creative strength!
This entry uses a watercolor tutorial from Jenna, over at Scribbling Grace. If you are new to Bible journaling and you are feeling a little intimidated, check her out! She will definitely inspire you.
I do not know when this time of being ALONE will finally end, but I am so thankful that God has provided me with the security of knowing that I do NOT have to be LONELY! He is always with me!
Renewal and Refuge 