Recently my wife and I went to breakfast on a Sunday morning. As we sat waiting for our table listening for our name to be called I heard, “Lee, party of one.” Maybe it was Leigh. I didn’t see who responded. I just remember thinking, “I used to do that.” At first I even enjoyed it. It was part of the adventure of being on my own and doing what I wanted to do. The fun didn’t last. As the lonely years went by I stopped going out just to go out. You can’t have a party with only one. It set me wondering about the circumstances that brought this person to wait and eat alone in a crowded restaurant on a bright Sunday morning. In our disconnected society that devalues relationship, was she always alone? Is he sitting at the table sending text messages while facing the empty seat on the other side? Is this a temporary or permanent situation?
We were never meant to be alone. God made that plain from the beginning (Gen 2:18.) We were made to love and be loved. I believe that God gave us all forms of relationship to teach us how He loves us, though in our fallen world these relationships are often corrupted and do not serve their intended purpose. As children we know the need of our father’s love. As parents we get a glimpse of God’s love for His children. As spouses we see a shadow of the intimacy we are meant to have with God. Relationships are precious things to be nurtured and treasured. I know what it’s like to be alone, and though the difficulties of forging a successful marriage have at times made me think I was better off, I thank God that I may never have to hear, “Larry, party of one.” For fifteen years I lay in the painful shards of a broken relationship and crushed dreams, until God rescued me. My trust in Him continues to grow as the seemingly impossible becomes reality. This is my encouragement to those still waiting. Put your trust in Jesus and you will never be alone (Rom 8:38-39.) Wait on Him, and you will find love.