Are you lonely?

I googled the word “lonely” today and it shows 328 million hits. Gallup’s research shows that at any given moment 4 of 10 Americans are suffering from feelings of loneliness. Research shows that feelings of loneliness are not healthy. Loneliness is no respecter of persons and each person processes loneliness differently. Some turn to food or drugs, while others turn to wrong relationships. Some become work-a-holics while others become recluses. I started thinking today of all the songs written about these feelings. Whether it’s Paul McCartney asking “Where do all the lonely people come from?” or Elvis singing about the hotel at the “end of lonely street called Heartbreak Hotel”, it’s obvious these feelings abound. It was Albert Einstein that said “It is strange to be known so universally & yet to be so lonely.”

I think there are 4 types of friends. We all have “contact” friends that we say hello to when we pass in the hallway. We have “casual” friends that we share common interests with and can talk about those interests. We have those we call “close” friends that we feel we can be somewhat open with. But if we are really fortunate we have a few that we can call “committed” friends; those who will stand by your side no matter what.

Committed friendships differ from others because of a willingness to sacrifice. When you love someone this way you will sacrifice for their best interests. Friendship that’s not willing to sacrifice for the other is not much a friendship. I love the story I read a few years ago from just outside St. Louis. In April 2004, 9 year old Mak Shulist battled brain cancer. It was deemed “incurable” and it quickly robbed young Mak of his eyesight. The Make-A-Wish foundation decided they would do something for Mak and asked him what he would like. Typically kids request from them things like meeting their favorite celebrity or a trip to Disney World. But nothing prepared them for Mak’s request.

Mak attended Ellisville Elementary school even after his diagnosis. Despite receiving chemotherapy and radiation, little Mak started the 3rd grade that Fall with his friends. So when his health finally failed and the Make-A-Wish Foundation got involved, they were stunned when all Mak asked for was for them to build a rock-climbing wall at his school for his friends. Will Randall, one of his classmates said, “I thought he was going to wish that there was a medicine or something, and he just wished for that and I was like whoa, he's nice.” As Mak’s condition worsened the Foundation hurried to finish the 7 foot wall. From the time they granted his request to the time kids climbed on the wall, only 2 weeks had passed. Thursday April 9, 2004, Ellisville’s principle videotaped students climbing on the wall. Students described on the video what it was like to climb the wall. The video was rushed to Mak’s house and his parents turned the volume up high so they could be assured Mak heard it. The next day, Friday April 9, 2004 Mak died. Michael Stafford, one of Mak's friends said, “'Every time I get on this wall I will think about him and what he did for us.”

The next time you are feeling lonely, remember there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Remember His friendship is not extended to us because we are worthy of that kind of friendship. In spite of the way we treat Him by our propensity to willingly sin, He loves us and remains committed to His relationship with us. I’m thankful today for the friend I find in Jesus!