This morning we’re alone in the crowd of a subway car. It’s not much different than the aloneness on a porch overlooking Lake Champlain. Swaying with the train while holding a layered lettuce salad for lunch in the fellowship hall, I say a prayer. The Spirit reminds me how blessed we are to have a beautiful church building to worship in though we live in NYC. God is here just as He was in Vermont a week ago.
A thousand times, I’ve rebelled against aloneness. I did again this last week, longing for someone to message, “Could we meet?” Reasoning with God does not bring happiness. (Laurence just realized that there is a seat beside me. He moved across the D train to sit with me. I’m not alone. 😊) I read from Elizabeth Elliott’s excellent book Loneliness, A Pathway to God again this morning. She writes how God gives joy to those who mourn and that joy is quite different from being happy. “The price then for joy is mourning.”
“My cup runs over” as I surrender and embrace God’s plan for my life. And as I’ve done so often in the past, I thank God for the opportunity to live here.
You too are blessed! Love, Berniece
An Ordinary Life 
I love the song, “I am in the Midst”. Where two or three are gathered, I am in the midst. One time when I felt very alone, this song was a life line, reminding me God was with us.
I made a layered lettuce salad too this morning. 😊
Hope your Sunday is warm. ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alone, you say?! I live in the middle of Mennonite County, and even I feel alone! I’ve had 2 of the loneliest years of my life, right here in the Mennonite community. Is it my fault, I ask myself, but so far I have not figured it out. God is here, I don’t feel apart from Him, which I’m thankful for….. Peace be to you, and courage🙏🏽
LikeLike
I enjoyed catching up here. This one on being alone, wherever we are, and the last one about the laundry room, both feel familiar. Thank you =)
LikeLike