When Love Gets Lonely

"It is not good for man to be alone." Genesis 2:18a

I spent last week alone. Normally, I'm okay with that. Solitude suits me and my writing and I don't mind keeping company with my own thoughts. The first few days when Pete's was gone, it's kind of like a vacation - everything takes on a nice leisurely pace - sleeping late, staying up late, eating whenever, watching chic flicks until I can't stand them anymore. But this time, that vacation feeling wore off early.

I felt lonely by mid week, especially at night when silence crept through the dark house. Maybe it was the length of Pete's trip or maybe it was the time of year. In winter there's little for me  to do outside and this year there wasn't even one snowflake to shovel. Inside wasn't much better. After one day of heavy cleaning, I was pretty much done for the week because there wasn't anyone around to mess it up again. The laundry basket took an entire week to fill. And cooking? Cooking is a drag to me anyway, but at least if I have someone to cook for it gives me an excuse to be creative. Cooking for one? Boring! My most creative meal all week was tacos.

All this got me thinking about living alone. I can see how someone could go nuts with no one to share life. It's not that someone else could or should make us feel more complete than God, but even God said it wasn't good for man to be alone.

"The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

God knew our need for companionship and our need to share life with someone who compliments us and God knew our capacity for love because we were made in His image - comprised of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit - not even God lives alone.
 
As I write this, it's Saturday night, 8:42 PM. Pete's texting me. He's lonely, too. We're both counting the hours before his return, Sunday night. Sweet dreams, my love. God speed and grant you a safe journey home. I'll be waiting.