about feeling alone

Of the many studies I have read concerning health and longevity, they have all agreed that people in relationships were generally healthier and lived longer than those who weren't. Yet, there are people out there, on their own, who live long, happy, and healthy lives. Others, surrounded by friends and family, are miserable and die young. How is this possible?

Perhaps these studies could have looked at the data in a different way. What if they divided surveyed people into two groups-- those in a healthy relationship with themselves, and those who were not? After all, some of my best mentors and pastors taught me that if you don't love yourself, you can't really love another.

Have you seen this? People, content with themselves, glow when alone and shine even more when they are partnered? Conversely, people, unhappy with themselves, look discontent no matter where they are or who they're with. What if feeling alone is all about attitude and not about the lack of actual company? I've known some awfully lonely people who were physically surrounded by others. At times, I've been one of those folks.

I think it happens to many of us throughout our lives. We have moments when it seems nobody is cheering for us, not even ourselves. It's important to see those times as just passing moments, something that we experience and move beyond. We need to be there for ourselves, and we need to know that He is always there for us even when we feel most alone. We are never really alone because when we eagerly seek Him, He continually reveals Himself to us. After all this time, I have finally come to understand that it's when I'm alone that I begin to realize that I am NOT.