Loneliness

There is no doubt that all of us periodically struggle with loneliness.  It is a simple fact that comes with human existence.  To be missed, or misunderstood. to be judged unfairly. To be wanted for what you can do, rather than who you are. To go on for years unappreciated, even unknown by those closest to you.

For those of us in any leadership capacity, we run the risk of being lonely with greater frequency.  The saying that, "It's lonely at the top", is really true.  I am reminded of the time when Jesus expressed his frustration with Philip in John 14.  Philip said, Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Jesus answered: "Don"t you know me Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?"
This is such a microcausm of what Jesus dealt with all the way to the cross.  Even his 3 closest friends couldn't stay awake with him in Gethsemene.  Imagine living your entire life in a world where the people closest to you don't get you.

What I have had to learn in my own life is this.  When I am feeling the most misunderstood and lonely, I have learned to take advantage of those times to draw closer to the one who does really understand.  Loneliness is a test of whether we really mean what we say when we call Jesus our best friend.