I have never been a social butterfly.
I talk to people, I can tell funny stories. I can teach. I can help others out. But, I never have been very good at developing deep, close personal relationships with others. I tell myself that I’m a little shy……..probably true. But, there is likely more to it than that.
We go through life accumulating stuff. I’m now in my sixties and when I talk to those around me, I keep hearing a lot about “downsizing”……..about getting rid of stuff. Then I look around my house and my shop and I can see that the amount of stuff is staggering. It’s great stuff and I enjoy it a lot. There is great pleasure in using a beautiful crafted tool or in shooting a finely built gun. But, the stuff just doesn’t seem to satisfy me. Entertains me…….. maybe…….but satisfies me? ……..not so much.
I have recently lost an important relationship. The why behind it is not important. This failed relationship has led me to reflect on the value of relationships in my life……..in all of our lives. I have to conclude that accumulating people is far more important than accumulating stuff. It is also far more difficult. The current “information age” has made this much worse. My closest relationship is with my wife……….but my cell phone is a close second. I wonder where my grandchildren will wind up.
Then I consider God…….the most powerful force in the universe. God is a creator…….THE creator. Stuff is no problem for him. If he wants something, he can simply create it. 66 Supersport Camaro……..with a really loud throaty exhaust……..0 to 60 in 8 seconds……..no problem! But, when you read the Bible, God doesn’t seem interested in the Camaro………or any other kind of stuff. Repeatedly, he says that what he wants is relationship………with you and with me. He wants the kind of deep intimate personal relationship that seems to escape me……….and maybe you too.
So……..God gives us the gift of loneliness.
Sounds odd, but loneliness is the feeling that drives us into relationship. Loneliness is the force that makes us reach out beyond ourselves………beyond our stuff……….. beyond our cell phones to connect with others………others who are just as lonely as we are.
Most of the fundamental feelings in our heart are a pale reflection of God’s heart. We are, after all, created in his image. Do you ever wonder if God feels something similar to loneliness………a desire for relationship……..with you? Maybe that is what drove him to create this universe. Maybe that is why he is willing to forgive our misdeeds. What if God’s driving motivation in all of his vast creation is to be my friend………to be your friend?
I hope that this is true. My hope is that one day I will encounter Jesus, not as an equal, but as a friend.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends,
Jesus, NIV