It was like watching a room with Jack-in-the-Boxes lying quietly dormant, waiting for their chance to Pop goes the weasel!
Sunday morning church…
The children’s message had just ended, and the little ones were rearranging themselves up front to sing about how much they loved Jesus.
And as if a conductor had lifted his baton to signal It’s time…
Parents and grandparents popped up from their seats and moved to the side aisles and front pews.
They wanted to capture the moment.
Some tried to move quietly. Some hunched their shoulders believing that they wouldn’t be seen then. Some slid in next to friends who graciously moved hymn books and purses to make room.
iPhones and iPads were raised. Focused on the cherubs in the front.
Each proud relative checking around to make sure that no one’s view was being blocked behind them.
And the children?
They beamed. And waved. And giggled with their hands in front of their mouths.
Oh, the natural joy that showed up when children knew there was someone there who was proud of them. Someone who wanted to take their picture or capture the song on film to play it over and over again that afternoon.
We never lose our desire to be seen. Affirmed. Smiled at.
We never lose our desire to know that someone wants to make a memory with us.
But you know, as we get older, those “I see you” moments don’t come as often, do they.
It’s not very often someone is nearby who wants to capture and preserve our everyday moments.
Especially when our everyday seems so … everyday.
It’s easy to feel invisible. Or maybe like everyone was invited to some party and your invitation got lost in the mail. You just wish someone would notice you, but at the same time, you “don’t want anyone to fuss.”
Oh, I get it. And I care about how invisible might feel to you.
Loneliness creeps in silently but stealthily. It’s looking for a place to settle when you’re already feeling unseen. And too often, loneliness invites her cousin “weariness” to join her and they grab the popcorn, put their feet up, and slouch into the couch cushions.
Life feels harder.
Your feelings are real.
And there is a remedy, a response to help you move through those hard moments.
Please lean in here. Here these words …
You are seen. You are not forgotten. You have not been stepped over.
The faithful, compassionate, caring God who created you knows your heart.
HIS love – HIS noticing – is bigger than your life’s circumstances.
Yes, your world may feel too small or too busy or too overlooked, and you feel lost. BUT! God is bigger. His love is more consuming than any lonely feeling.
Don’t give in to what you see or don’t see around you.
Look up! The Maker of The Stars knows your name. He understands.
And He will meet you right where you are.
Here’s what He promises YOU:
“…bouquets of roses instead of ashes, messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.” (Isaiah 61:3 MSG paraphrase)
No one may be sliding into the pew to capture a picture of you today.
But. God is wrapping His arms around you. Rocking you. Whispering to you, “You are mine. I will never leave you. You matter to me.”
He captures EVERY SINGLE MOMENT of your life. He cares about each of them.
He remembers every tear you cry, every giggle you stifle, and every song you sing.
Until that note or phone call or friend shows up, let Him kick loneliness and weariness off the couch. He’s a much better companion.
P.S. I’ve learned that one way for me to feel less alone is to look around me. There is always someone else who needs to be seen or heard. Go ahead – see and hear. Be the answer to someone’s “alone” prayer today.
