Life was moving along okay. No traumas, no major dilemmas. Not even significant obstacles currently stood in my path. Life was full as I was homeschooling, researching a new book, finding time for reading, and active in a small group. But I was lonely.
Surrounded by people, but lonely.
Just as this feeling of loneliness was becoming unbearable, we took a trip back to our last duty station. Although we have no biological family in the area, it’s the location of the church we love and full of people who have become like family.
It’s home.
We spent time with friends, both one-on-one and during a small party. I went out to breakfast with two close friends, and we helped surprise another friend for her birthday. We all just enjoyed our time there.
And now I’m back at my house again feeling refreshed.
I knew I would be. It’s one of the reasons I so strongly advise within the pages of The Warrior’s Bride for military spouses to find a small group of Christian women. Not all the women I saw during this weekend trip were military, but all of them love me and my family. All of them asked how we were doing, and I know in the days ahead they will take what they heard and turn it into prayers for us.
Because all of them want to see God’s best in our lives, even if it means we live apart from them.
Of course, that doesn’t mean they aren’t praying we get to return to them. Which makes my heart smile, because that prayer echoes the prayer of my own heart.
Not all family is biologically related.
And that’s okay. God intended for His children to be family. And one of the great blessings of moving a lot with the military is getting to meet more of God’s family, getting a chance to get to know them on this earth before we live together eternally in Heaven.
Have you ever thought about moving like that? What are you doing this week to get to know your eternal family better?
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This topic is close to my heart since I too often feel loneliness despite being surrounded by people. Or I will be okay, until I step inside my door and shut myself out from the world. Sometimes I’m comfy with being alone, sometimes I feel the need for a company. I think that’s because humans are made that way. We will always need someone. Maybe to teach us humility. I love though that alone or in the crowd, God is always there for us. #bloggercare
I am often consumed by loneliness. My life has left me feeling isolated at times and although I am working hard at coming out of myself and embracing friendships its not easy for me to do. Thank you for this and the reminder that we are never alone with God #bloggercaregroup
I can identify with much of what you are saying, Sara. Frequent moves throughout my life hindered me from making many quality friendships, but God has shown me that He was still providing great people all around me if I would simply trust Him and reach out. Yes, it’s hard, but I treasure several of the women who are now in my life (even though the moves have not stopped). 🙂
It must be a difficult life with all the moving. I find it very difficult to settle in and embrace new friendships. But like you, God has provided amazing community when I am willing to reach out and let them in. You have a lovely attitude and I am so glad that you were able to connect with old friends. I pray that your new community will become rich and deep and you will feel known and loved.
Oh Carrie- this struck a chord with me! As I’ve gotten older, and my children have grown, gotten married, and are making their own nests, I sometimes feel – “lost” or lonely in my own home. My life is full of people (our church family, our family, our grandchildren) but sometimes I’m lonely for the times my chicks were under my wings. God’s been teaching me exactly what you quoted- lonely but never alone. He is wanting to fill up all my empty spaces with Himself! hugs and blessings- you’re such an encourager!
so many people struggle with this but have no clue how to over come it. We are surrounded by so much technology and I’m thankful for it because my children are 3 hours away and 14 hours away and without it I would never seen their gorgeous smiles – but if that is all I had to look forward to life would be disappointing. we need face to face time, girl time – laughter.
thanks Carrie for a wonderful reminder!
@spreadingJOY
Marie