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I serve with the greatest ministry leaders at my church. Each one is passionately sold out to how they serve in each area. Last month at our leadership meeting our theme was Alone, But Together.
Do you know the feeling?
You serve in a ministry with others, but yet when you show up to serve you feel alone.
You walk in to a room full of other people (most you know), but yet you feel lonely.
You sit down in the evening with your family, but yet you feel disconnected.
Feeling detached is a lonely feeling. Maybe you are doing all the right things in your life — working wholeheartedly, serving diligently, running kids around like crazy, or managing businesses, but something is missing. You are surrounded by people throughout the day, but you feel you don’t belong.
As I’ve looked at this over the last month, I’ve realized you and I get those feelings because we aren’t spending quality time with those around us. Yes, we might be working or serving beside others but we aren’t connected due to the fact we haven’t spent quality time together — no agenda, no work, no deadlines.
Take this weekend to plan some quality time with friends, co-workers, and your family. You will begin to feel connected once again.
Do you have suggestions or simple things you do that help keep you connected with others?
Linking up and talking about “together” over at The Gypsy Mama’s today.
Insightful post. Sometimes I still feel alone in a crowd, I know how to avoid it though. When I commit to being a true member of a group I’m no longer alone; Not thinking about what I need to do later in the day or week,truly listening to their words,sharing my heart, all are part of my coping system for being truly together with others.
Visiting from Gypsy Mama’s blog.
How true it is that you can be next to someone without being with them. Its great to encourage everyone to spend real time together. Keep it up. =)
Hi Alene,
When I spend time with God and let Him fill my love tank, I find it easier to connect with others because I am giving out of what I have first received. It helps when I am able to approach with the focus on the other instead of on what I can get out of it (which is why I need God to fill me up first). Thanks for the insights in your post :)
I think that loneliness in the midst of people is one of the most sinking feelings. It’s one thing to be alone and lonely; it’s another to be surrounded and lonely. When in that situation, I have to remind myself that it’s not all about me. Then I try to be friendly. I ask questions–even if they seem a bit inane. After a while, I don’t feel quite as alone.
Lovely post and great advice. It’s so true and so ironic. So many people are lonely even while together with others. Thanks for posting. mp
oh, wow, Alene, i needed to read this tonight–made me cry–just a little 5 min post–but this little post hit deep notes resonating within. i have been feeling like this lately, and its actually a battle ive been fighting for a long time–it actually has a lot to do with anxiety for me–and probably some of what you said mixed in. oh, this is what my heart has been crying–stillness, quiet, real, quality moments, slowing so that hearts don’t hurt. yes. *yes*, friend. thank you for this.
{i am planning to use your link for the ebook at my blog Mon–i will get in touch}.
I know the feeling Alene.
Great post friend!
I have spent a large part of my life feeling alone and disconnected. It took God to open up my eyes to the fact that *I* have to do something about it. If I’m lonely, it is my job to call up a friend and invite them for coffee. I need to make the effort to spend that quality time with people and to get connected. It’s not just going to happen on it’s own.
I went for so long — Alone, but together. I know it was because I feared rejection, connecting on a heart level. The fear I had was because I lacked a revelation of God’s love for me — perfect love casts out fear. Each day more and more, I am learning to let love in and pour love out and connect in deeper ways, realizing so many struggle just like I do. We are all in this together… for one purpose in Him.
I love your heart. I really do. You have such a genuine desire to please God, to know God, and your love for Him permeates your writing. I love your passionate love for people. You inspire me…
With lots of love your way,
Michele-Lyn
Great post!! My girlfriends and I always stay connected by having a girls’ night out once a month. And for my church choir, we do a music ministry celebration, by going bowling, potluck dinner, or anything that is fun and not work. It’s a great time to reconnect and even welcome new choir members. It makes a huge difference.