After a week in college, loneliness is a term I am becoming more and more acquainted with. Don't get me wrong, college is great. It's an experience that has turned out so much better than I could have ever imagined. I can confidently say that all the time I spent worrying about the logistics of moving in and making my own decisions was for nothing. I have met so many amazing new friends (and even reunited with some old buds), I have joined so many organizations that I am genuinely excited about, I have met professors who are so much cooler than I will ever be, and I have found a church that is passionate about sharing and growing in the love of Christ.
All in all, I would say my college experience so far has been nothing short of eye-opening and wonderful.
But, the loneliness is still there.
Even though it's a feeling that most college freshman experience, I do still feel alone in my struggles. Most times, it hits me when I'm alone. Alone in my bed. Alone in my room. Wow. There's absolutely no one beside me. My friends and family are all in a place far from here and I won't get to see them till Christmas. But sometimes it hits me even when I'm surrounded by people. Because yes, even though I have made a lot of new friends, I can't help but miss the precious moments I shared with family and friends back home.
But after a FaceTime call today with my best friend, I realized that this loneliness I feel is all an illusion created by human emotion. The truth is, there is no moment in life where I'm truly alone. I have a God who walks beside me 24/7 and is a constant companion through any and all situations. The challenge is believing that wonderful and awesome truth. For me, the biggest obstacle is believing He's there even when I can't physically see Him. But I am reminded over and over again through Scripture, through devotions, and through fellow Christians that He IS there. He is and always will be my forever friend, my guiding light, my faithful protector.
So thank you, forever and always, to my 24/7 companion.
~jo