The Fear of Alone

In our millennial culture that we adore and subsist in, being alone is not the hip thing. For the average twenty-something person, sitting alone in a restaurant  or coffee shop is straight-up uncomfortable. As Relevant Magazine put it, “The Millennial generation prizes community, which is very good, but it tends to come at the cost of fearing loneliness.” People can and will assume a lot about someone sitting alone. But set aside the thoughts of others. Being alone exercises  your mind, and improves your heart condition.

Going to a coffee shop alone has potential to be awesome. I just had one of the best times with Father I have had for a long time in a local coffee shop, and I was alone. Everyone else was laughing and chatting it up with their friends, and I was alone. I suppose this is easy to write about, but it probably will be a learning process before you and I are able to go somewhere alone without feeling slightly uncomfortable. Regardless, it’s good to get alone sometimes, especially in places where it’s a bit uncomfortable.

Touching the Heart: Being Welcomed

When our family moved to Croatia, I remember many people, but only a couple of these people really welcomed. Went out of their way to meet me, and actually cared. Often at the embarrassment of themselves. One of these was a guy named Robi. He spoke very good English, and had recently found Christ. He embraced my brother and I, despite the probably 3 or 4 year age difference. His long, hastily put up, blonde ponytail and funky smile, frequently came over and we played Monopoly, futbal or just talked. He saw past my shyness. He opened up and I too opened up because of his efforts. He later left Christ and us, but his act of welcoming and caring about me will always be cherished in my heart.

The point being that we can make a difference in peoples lives. Have your eyes been open to those around you? And have you been trying to reach in and touch peoples heart’s? It’s not rocket science (not that I’m an expert), but give some time, some empathy, and a listening ear. Internationals are often in that same situation I was of being alone, afraid, and isolated. But you can make a difference! You can be the American (or wherever you are from) that is cherished in their heart for welcoming; just as Robi will always be cherished in my heart.

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