This is the goofiest thing...We've been moving some stuff around here at New Hope. Our preschoolers needed more space, so we've shifted stuff (Thank God for blessing us with preschoolers!).
Somehow in the transition, Sherry and I have wound up sharing our office with Samuel, the turtle (I hear it's temporary..).
I have been watching this stupid turtle today, thinking how sad and lonely he seems. I realize that he probably isn't actually lonely, but he sure appears to be. So I grabbed Sherry and Jeanne and we went to see if we could find a friend for him (we thought maybe the rain would have brought some turtles up from the pond). We were unsuccessful; however, Sherry did print a photo of a turtle that we taped to the side of the tank. I think he likes it. And, it will not surprise me one bit if Sherry brings a turtle in with her tomorrow.
Here's my point...I cannot stand the thought of loneliness. It breaks my heart to think of people (ok, and turtles, but mostly people) going through life feeling as if they don't have someone or a couple someones they can count on. I believe to my core that God created us for community - real community. If it were within my power, I would eradicate loneliness and fake friendships completely.
What is it that you believe to your core? What 'wrong' is God calling you to help make right? I'd love to hear your thoughts. And if you're like me and it's all about life-giving friendships, I'd love to know that too. Maybe we can work together to end turtle loneliness in our corner of the world.
