“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…” – Psalm 68:5-6a
Lonely… not a fun place to be. Thankfully, it is not a word I often use to describe myself. However, it easily could be.
Just over two years ago I moved halfway across the country from anything I had ever considered “home.” The closest relatives geographically were still almost 650 miles away and I knew not a single soul in the place that would SOON be “home.” I was leaving a college community of friends who had become closer than I could have ever imagined, surrounded 24/7 by other girls in my apartment and dorm and heading off to a 2-bedroom apartment that housed only me, myself, and I. That physical space expanded 6 months ago when I moved into a 3 bedroom house. I still get weird looks from anyone who finds out that I don’t have any roommates or even a dog or cat to share that space.
Oh sure, there are plenty of reasons why one might assume “lonely” is a label I often wear, but they must have forgotten this beautiful promise made by our God in His holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families.
For geographical distance can not separate blood. And when opportunities to gather with my biological family arise, they are filled with joy. Skype dates and phone calls, picture messages, and Facebook posts…
God sets the lonely in families.
Neighbors who let you borrow their kid to make pizza together or show up at a 5K to cheer you on or invite you over to watch the Olympics…
God sets the lonely in families.
Invitations to join other families’ celebrations… Christmas… Labor Day… Easter… and everything in between…
God sets the lonely in families.
Beautiful women gathering to pray God’s blessing over that 3-bedroom house. Food shared, prayers lifted, permanent marker on the doorframe so you’ll never forget…
God sets the lonely in families.
Gathering with other friends to create family of our own for birthdays, holidays, or freezer meal exchanges that would otherwise leave you with more food than one person could eat in a year…
God sets the lonely in families.
Hiking with a dear friend, feet in the creek, pottery painted, ice cream shared as hearts are poured out, recipes swapped, laughter abundant…
God sets the lonely in families.
Phone calls, e-mails, texts, and more to “sisters” and “brothers” who challenge you to be a better you…
God sets the lonely in families.
And I rejoice that I don’t have to have just one family, but that God sets the lonely, in families… plural… abundant… because that’s how our God does things… more than enough.
I may be sitting at home alone tonight, but “lonely” I am not. 🙂
(P.S. Thanks to all my “families”! I love you all and treasure each moment with you!)
joyfullyblessedblog.com 
Thanks. I need to remember that too.