The day was rather gray and John had lost his wife four months ago. He was out for a walk and found himself walking along the drainage ditch not too far from his home. He liked it there for some reason but maybe because the debris there reminded him of how he had felt for the last four month since his wife's death. He felt like his life had gone upside down. She was his life. She made him feel whole and gave meaning to his life.

He was about to sit down and wallow in self pity when he heard a peculiar sound. It sounded muffled but yet he could make out a small high pitched sound as if whatever was making the sound was itself crying out for help. He followed the sound and as he got closer he caught a glimpse of a small kitty. It was a bit lost in the muck and debris that often permeate the place there under the traffic bridge. He got closer and saw this small white kitty. It was dirty, but John could see a little bit of the white. He was now right next to the kitty and saw that the kitty's mom was dead and there were three other kitty's that had also died.

What a way, John thought, of dying. It was three days after Christmas. While most other people were celebrating the holidays a family of cats were dying. No food, it was cold from winter's quiet wrath, and they were alone. Just like he was. John scooped up the little kitty into his arms and it purred. Maybe because somebody finally cared. Maybe because it was looking for the warmth that John had to give. John hugged the kitty close and realized the kitty was very hungry. He was not carrying any food, so John carried the kitty back to his home.

When he got there he fixed a bowl of milk. The kitty lapped it up like it was the last bit of milk on the planet. Then John brought a blanket and wrapped the kitty in it partially so that it could continue to feed on the milk.

John started to cry. He could really relate to that kitty. It was lost and probably would have died if not for John's act of kindness. He felt like a new friend had entered his life. The hole that had widened in his heart these past months was being filled by a kitty. A small ball of fur that was now dependent on John.

We all need someone in our lives. Some of us think we can go along and just be alone with out a significant other in our lives. But yet that is what we need. We need to feel loved and know that someone needs us.

We can also seek Gods guidance. He is there for us. And even though we cannot see Him, He is always there to help us in times of need.

In the often frustrating times, as we get older, of loneliness that we feel, we can relate also to the kitty, and John. That innermost feeling that we are alone, even though we may live in a city where there may be millions of people.

But how could we feel lonely in the masses? How can we possibly say that we are alone, when quite possibly, our next door neighbor may be having the very same feelings at that very moment. It is because we have learned to shut others out. We have learned not to go out of our comfort zones.

It is like we are in a cocoon, but instead of turning into a beautiful butterfly, we may bury ourselves in addictions to TV or video games, or books, or soap operas. It is like we want to see how others live, but only in a fantasy world, because the harshness of reality gets too heart-felt and tense and we want to save ourselves from being hurt.

But unless we venture out into this world, we will forever being looking for solace in fantasies rather than seeing the world as it truly is. That is not what God would want. He wants us to be near others.

Philemon 5:6 And I pray that as you share your faith with others it will grip their lives too, as they see the wealth of good things in you that come from Christ Jesus. TLB

So you see that sharing with others is a gift not only to them, but to you as well. That does not mean that you will not get hurt. But it does mean that if you do not share yourself with others you will not get the kind of love that you may be lonely for right now.

So next time you feel lonely, start thinking why you are and realize there is an answer. And that is to spend time with others.

But then you may be thinking about when you will be able to find the time. We get so caught up in the rat race that it is so easy to push others away. Then when we really need someone, they are not there.

1 Peter 4:12-13 Dear friends, don't be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. 13 Instead, be really glad-because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory in that coming day when it will be displayed. TLB

So many people live in the now and do not prepare for the future. They might figure a meteor will destroy the earth or that global warming will usher in another ice age. Excuses, excuses, excuses.

What it all boils down to is this: until you make the effort to grow beyond yourself, you will find yourself wanting more than you have when you really need it, even though you overspent the last time. And that is not the way to live life.

Give of yourself to others, and let people in. Give them be a part of your life and God will bless you in many ways.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to share your love with others. Help me also to find your love by sharing it with others. Sometimes Lord, I find myself feeling lonely and it gets unbearable sometimes. During these times, remind me that you are there for me. Thank you Lord for all your many blessings. Amen.

Benediction: Now, Lord, Bless us in our daily lives. Help us to smell the roses whenever possible, to shine our light on those less fortunate than us, and lead us in the path we should go. For you are the light that keeps our path well lit. Help us to follow it, until we meet you, in a land where milk and honey abound, a place where our most wonderful dreams are fulfilled. Amen.

Hi, my name is Bryan, a messenger of hope who would love to hear from you. God Bless.

© 2006 Bryan Hill