Thoughts From John and Judy Hollenbach

Dear Friends,

Last week I received a “thought” from a couple in my church who also sends them out weekly. I thought it was good and asked if I might use it for one of these thoughts I send out. It’s by John and Judy Hollenbach. John lost his sight years ago, but it has not slowed him down a bit. He presses on and continues to make the best of every day, with, of course, the help of his dear wife Judy. They work (as couples should) like a team.

Their “thought” is about those times in life when we have felt, or do feel, loneliness – and what we can do. As I read it (the part about striking out to end the game) I was immediately taken back in my mind to high school when by slacking off for just one play I probably lost the last game for my football team. And it’s true – I did feel very alone. In fact, that it popped into my head so fast after 40 years shows how those things can linger! But anyway, enjoy!

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5

“From time to time, probably all of us have felt alone. When we were not included in an invitation, when we failed that test, when we struck out to end the game, at the loss of a loved one, child, or spouse. The strife and stress of the trials and tribulations of this world, with all its brokenness, can weigh us down, drive us into a shell of suspicion, and leave us feeling all alone.

Certainly each of us remembers, or are in the midst of such a time. We need to be careful that our judgement and decisions do not lead us into more problems – alcohol, drugs, and the damaging of relationships through misunderstandings.

So, what about those of us on the other side? How do we help? I heard it said, “The world is a bunch of people walking in a circle looking for a friend.” Perhaps we should stop. Maybe the person behind us will run into us.

Could it be that we take ourselves too seriously? You know, after all, we are the center of our universe! When I find myself thinking in this way, I recall the verse from Job 7:7, “Remember, Lord, I am but a breath.”

Job had the worst of every calamity happen to him. After losing everything and everyone, he was then beset with physical pain and discomfort. What strikes me is that the people who gave him real comfort were those who said nothing, they just sat with him. Maybe, we need to learn from this that just being there for someone might just be the antidote to stop a suicide, an addiction, or to bring them peace and comfort. Just by letting someone know that you are there, joy!

“I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have kept you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3
Quietly yours, John and Judy Hollenbach

I have read that some of the loneliest places on earth are the most densely populated. Cities. College campuses. Crowded high-rise apartment buildings where people abound but few really know each other – or care to take the time to get to know.

I am sure there are other reasons that is true, but it is enough to assure us that an abundance of people (even an abundance of people our own age) does not guarantee the development of deep friendships, soulmates, or true caring confidants. It does not guarantee we will find people there who love us, care for us, and are committed to stick by our side through thick and thin. In a culture of convenience like ours, where people are busy, and can have their sights set on achieving their own life goals – we can often be seen as a useful asset for a season, but inevitably expendable.

John and Judy are right. “The world (can be) like a bunch of people walking in a circle looking for a friend.” And they are also right that maybe the answer is to stop so that the person behind us will run into us. But the key word is “stop.” We can’t develop deep friendships if we aren’t willing to slow down and even stop what we are doing to spend the time it takes to get to truly know someone.

It isn’t having an abundance of people around – it’s setting aside the time to get to know people. In a world where people tend to “love things and use people,” we need to be those who get the order straight and “use things and love people.” And although doing so can take time, it’s truly worth the investment. Lord, guide us to like-minded people.

Living in the Grace of Jesus, Pastor Jeff