Loneliness in Motherhood

Loneliness sits in without warning.

• At home as you are caring for your kids.
• At a playdate as you watch two of the other moms start a conversation.
• With your husband as he sits down to his hobby at the end of the day.
• At the store as you witness two friends share a greeting.

….and the list goes on. 

I know, because loneliness is an old friend of mine. 

There were times when I would dwell on and sulk in the loneliness – feeling sorry for myself. Those times would be counterbalanced with seasons of trying to be everyone’s friend so that I would stop thinking about myself, but would get discouraged when it didn’t feel like it was being reciprocated.

Neither was good. 

As a human being, you were not created to be alone. You were created to share life in community with others. You were created for relationships. You were created for friendship.

However, God didn’t just create us to be in relationship with others, He calls us to a relationship with Himself. What if part of the loneliness you feel is part of God’s plan to draw you closer to Himself? How would you respond?

It doesn’t stop there.

If you knew that someone else was experiencing those same feelings of loneliness, what would you do? 

You have a choice: To continue to sulk in loneliness, or to grow in God’s love and bring joy to others. Do so with a heart not burdened worrying about making a new friend, God will take care of those details, go with a heart ready to serve.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:8-10

 I know God calls me to think and love outside of myself, and He calls you to do the same. 

As you continue to grow in God’s love you can continue to move forward in friendship by reaching out to others who might be in need of a friend, without expecting anything in return.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. Skip the deep clean and let a simple pick-up suffice as you serve coffee or tea when you invite someone over for a playdate. Make a phone call to someone who you may not have normally called. Send a text to let them know you are thinking of them. Pay attention to who has been on your heart lately, and reach out to them in love and authenticity.

What would it look like if you were to reach out to your friends and connections with the only intention of bringing joy to their lives?

Yes, you may need to step outside of your comfort zone. Yes, it may seem hard. Yes, you may question if you are actually making a difference. That’s okay.

Try it, you may find that your own loneliness begins to diminish in the process.

Sometimes reaching out requires a confidence that you do not think that you have. There are so many doubts swirling through your mind. If that’s the case, then it’s time to get started with Fuel Your Faith Foundation and learn how to be be affirmed in the person God created you to be!