An Empty Seat

So, today I’m sharing with you from my corner booth in a Mexican restaurant in town. The food is delicious, but goodness, I’m struggling. I’m alone.

Not in spirit, for I know the Lord is with me. Other than that, I’m solo. So, I grab my phone and send a shout out on Facebook to all the widows who deal with this lifestyle every day. I pray God’s richest blessings upon them and want them to know they are special to the rest of us - and strong.

I’m not an extrovert, but neither do I enjoy being alone when I’d rather have company. Like now, for instance, when I’m sitting here trying to enjoy my lunch. I can hear people at other tables chatting, laughing, as well as some low serious tones. Some of those tables seat individuals who are glued to their phone in spite of the person sitting beside or across from them too. There are conversations between two, four and even ten people around a table.

The seat opposite myself is empty. My thoughts and empathetic heart suddenly think of every widow and the fact that they most likely have this feeling more often than not - and my heart skips a beat.

It’s something we probably none like to stop and think about, but it’s a reality for so many around us and will possibly one day be ours as well. I’m afraid to say that I’m guilty of not thinking about it most of the time. However, in this moment, their plight rings out loud and clear as I sit here sharing with you.

I know the Bible instructs us to take care of these special people. While I don’t want to pause to look up the scripture, I did want to blog this moment into existence. Can I encourage us to consider ALL those around us and not take each other for granted? We could be filling those shoes sometime in our future and we reap what we sow.

Maybe God chose in this moment to speak to my own heart. It has shaken me to my core!

Let’s not take each other for granted, nor fail to consider what others we rub shoulders with every day might deal with. Think about the loneliness these individuals might feel on a regular basis. Pray for them, be kind to them…and pause to notice them if but for a moment. You never know how encouraging that might be and how it might lift their spirit.

Yes, I say they are strong. Their bodies may not appear so but I know in my heart one must be strong to walk that pathway. They don’t choose this walk, they most likely endure it. Pray for them.

Remember them.

God bless you. I’ll finish my lunch now...and know that I have been moved with compassion today.

What about that empty seat?