Not Alone

READ: PSALM 139:1-10; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-21

Out of habit, her eyes swept the crowded cafeteria, but not one familiar face registered from the blur of morning classes. Starting over was always this way.

Two girls, hovered in a private conversation, ignored Nora as she approached their table.

She dropped her backpack and sighed. She hated moving, but that was military life. She nibbled on a granola bar, not to make it last but because there was nothing else to do.

Groups clumped together, and the room buzzed. Nora shuddered—as if a spotlight had singled her out, the only person in the room sitting alone—and swallowed her last bite. She crumpled the wrapper, thankful for something to do, and walked to the trash can.

Chin up. Change is hard. There’s more ahead. New friends. She blinked back tears. Her positive self-talk couldn’t crack the loneliness. She breathed a prayer—Lord, help me.

She tossed the wrapper and turned back to the table where now only one girl remained with her head bent, shoulders hunched. The girl looked up, her eyes brimmed with water.

“You okay?” Nora slid next to her.

A tear escaped before the girl’s face hardened. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

“Sorry. Not trying to be nosy.” Nora pulled a tissue from her backpack. “Your mascara.

“Thanks.” The girl dabbed under her eyes. “I haven’t seen you before.”

“Yeah. It’s my first day. I’m Nora.”

“I’m Teagan.”

A buzzer blared, lunch ended, and the girls stood. “Hope things go better.” Nora picked up her backpack. Teagan’s eyes filled, and she nodded and left.

As Nora joined the crush of students filing out of the cafeteria, she straightened her shoulders and stepped into the hallway. She wasn’t alone. The hall was jammed with people, each with their own stories and their own struggles. She breathed another prayer: Jesus, please bless Teagan and help her today. Thank You for giving me an opportunity to show Your love to her—and maybe to others too. And thank You for being with me. • Gretchen Carlson

• Can you think of a time you felt alone or out of place? How might it be helpful to remember that, in Jesus, we are never alone—and He calls us to be part of His good work wherever we are?

Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:10 (NIV)