The fire had crept up to the very edge of our camp.

Bush Camp – February 24, 2013

I was lonely at times during my bush camp adventure!

   That caught me off guard actually (for I’m not one that minds being by myself), but as I mentally revisit those days in my journal, I get why it happened. My main reason for signing on to this adventure in the first place was to store up as many memories as possible while getting to know my brand-new grandson, and reconnecting with my son and daughter in law as I served alongside them in their work. While my husband was still there and we were vacationing with our son and his family, my days were full of opportunities to store up those lovely memories. But once my husband left, and the preparation for bush camp begin, those opportunities became fleeting at best. 

   Part of the problem was that I was the only 65 year old person in the group. I was not accustomed to being the lone ‘old person’. Aside from my family, I didn’t really have much in common with the rest of that youthful crew. Therefore, as we hung out at camp or as we returned to base camp to recoup, individuals tended to gravitate towards those with which they had most in common. And ever so often I found myself alone feeling a bit out of place. 

   Those moments usually occurred when something I was hoping would happen didn’t! Oh, I had my pity parties but thankfully they didn’t last very long. For, I had plenty of journal writing to catch up on, good books to absorb, fun videos to watch and a nap was always welcomed. 

   Time spent by oneself can always be profitable, especially, if you are aware that your longings and sighings are not hidden from the One who loves and cares for you the most and who is your constant companion. The following explains why loneliness has little chance to overwhelm a child of God.

O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you. Psalm 38:9 

 

 

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