Put away the party decorations.

I moved to a new city on August 15. I started my current job on August 22. I’ve been here just over a month. Aside from my co-workers, I haven’t met anyone or formed any friendships. I know, big deal, it’s been a month. Right? But I have a hard time making friends. I hate small talk, its painfully awkward for me. I’m shy and what’s more, I’m the pastor’s daughter which means I don’t have to make an effort because people automatically know who I am and they approach me. I’m aware of how silly some of my thinking sounds.

I’m lonely. Tonight I went to church where I’ve been coming for a month now and still have not really met anyone. So as I sat in the back tonight by myself, I began digging through the storage closet of my mind looking for decorations because I was going to throw myself a pity party. I prayed “If not one person speaks to me and makes a connection I am going to look for a new church. I’m serious, God.” I then began trying to think of what other churches are in the area I could visit on Sunday. Then the pastor asked if anyone had a need to lift their hand so the ones near them could pray for them. I kept my hand down but saw the girl next to me with hers raised so I prayed for her like I would want and hope someone would pray for me.

Then a girl who was nearby who couldn’t be more than 16 or 17 years old with the brightest red hair (I’m talking Kool-Aid red) grabbed my hands and prayed with me. Then she hugged me. Then we sat down and she sat behind me and hugged me from behind. Then after service she came next to me and hugged me two more times. Then she said, “God says, ‘It’s not about what everyone else says, it’s about what I say.’ Sorry, I just felt God wanted me to say that to you.”

I hope to see her on Sunday.

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