In the few years that I’ve been away from home and gone to church on my own, I’ve always sat by myself, whether it be on a hard wooden pew or a folding chair. There might be people around me—the elderly people whom I sat in the midst of at the church I went to in Jackson always felt sorry for me and offered me peppermints during the sermon—but I was always alone. A visitor. A stranger.
Today in church, I sat on the narrow pew in the middle of three older women who have taken it upon themselves to welcome me here, to make me feel a part of something, to ensure that I’m not lonely. And I must say, that makes all the difference.
I always dreaded the idea of going to church alone, so much so that when I didn't have someone to go with, I wouldn't go at all. I missed a lot of services my last semester of college as a result. But after moving to Colorado, I was determined to change, and I started going to church. I am still amazed how God took care of me in those troubled months of my life! I only knew a couple people there, but had seen them only a couple times before; friends of a friend. But I was invited to sit with one of them and soon was introduced to more friends. It took some time, and a lot of courage on my part, but after I joined a small group and began working with the preschool kids in the nursery, I started to make friends. I was really sad to leave my church in CO. So I am glad you have someone to sit with! And I really hope God brings more friendships into your path. I'll be praying He does.
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