"One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do." - Three Dog Night / 1969
Actually, Harry Nilsson penned that song, and it has an important element to humanity that we would do well to consider. There are so many people out there in our world today that are so incredibly lonely. They LONG for companionship!
I was visiting an assisted living facility some time ago, when I noticed an elderly gentleman moving from person to person with his walker in the lobby. "Have you seen my boys?" he asked everyone that he met.
I stood and watched him for a moment, wondering what I should do. A staff member approached him: "Gerard, are you missing your boys?" she quietly said. "Yes," came the reply. The staff member began directing him to a place where they could sit down and talk...while I felt a huge lump forming in my throat.
In that moment I was angry at myself for the times when I have been so self-absorbed that I didn't recognize the fact that there are so many lonely people out there. I'm sure I had good reasons, but right then I couldn't think of any.
Jesus had some pretty potent things to say about those who visit the imprisoned, and look after the sick in Matthew 25. Being with lonely people and helping them to cope with their feelings could also be implied there.
Your mission (should you choose to accept it), is to visit one lonely person today....even though it will most likely have to be by telephone.Just the sound of a friendly voice can bring cheer and warmth into a person's life.
Have a great day and God bless!
