Lonely – Need a Friend? Busy day? Overworked? Occasional tear? Maybe need a pair of listening ears? Do any of these phrases strike a chord with your state of mind, as you read this opening thought?
I collect bears, umpteen bears, bears of all sizes. There are fifty, ranging in size from a couple of inches to over a foot in height. It’s crazy, I know, for a senior citizen to surround her home with voiceless, cuddly, furry creatures. Well, it may not be any crazier than saving collections of fragile glass items that no relative wants or antique cars that cost more to run than a 2020 plus vehicle. We smile, dust them carefully, and share the history of each collectible with our family and friends, or perhaps write short essays about them.
Why does a small, well-worn teddy sit on my dresser? He sits there because he has been a constant huggable since the day I was born in Portland, Oregon on September 8, 1935. He is a silent friend, brought to the hospital by a special uncle on the day of my birth. Wherever we traveled, Teddy was there. In the early days, our family rarely stayed long enough in one location for a young child to make friends, but Teddy was there. We chatted, and even though his voice was inaudible, somehow, I heard whispers of interest and love. He was important.
Likewise, I have a second friend. Although not physically huggable, He is with me constantly. His name is Jesus. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Just when I might be weary or lonely, I can be assured God is by my side. In the 13th verse of the same passage, He is even more reassuring. “For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not for I am the one who helps you.” It is more than just physically hanging on to my dominant hand. As we grow as Christians, we develop trust and confidence, that even when life seems to be in the gutter, we realize that a quick conversation with the Master will help us remain calm and not discouraged. It may not make the physical pain or grief disappear, but our spirits are cheered. Our tears are blended with faith that He cares and will watch over us. I need the human physician but I also need God, the Great Physician.
What a team! Join me, as together, we rely on the God promised “team approach” for comfort and smoother sailing each day of our lives.
Kathryn Ransom 