Do NOT tell him I told you this, but every once in a while, my tough, talks-like-a-man teenager will sneak into his little brother’s room in the middle of the night and fall asleep beside him. And when it happens, I’m reminded that we never outgrow our need for closeness. Not all of us have the chance right now to snuggle close to someone, or to feel another’s arms around us. Some of us didn’t grow up with loving parents – you've been abused or rejected by those who were supposed to welcome and protect you. If you struggle with loneliness, you are in good company. Even those of us who do have our favorite humans close by can struggle with a deep sense of loneliness sometimes – a longing to feel safe and nurtured and unconditionally loved. As awful as it is, that feeling can be a gift if we allow it to draw us closer to the One we were made for. I believe He lets it bubble up inside us to show us that no human being can fill the deepest place within each of us that was created only for Him. When the empty feeling comes, we have a choice: turn to whatever our temporary comfort or distraction or addiction is in order to try and fill the emptiness... or pause and start a conversation with God, just like we’re talking with a close friend. It takes time. Sometimes it's hard to believe He's right there. Sometimes we don’t have words. There's not always a warm-fuzzy feeling involved. It may be just a few minutes a day at first. But simply becoming aware in those lonely moments of His deep love for us is a beautiful step toward a lifelong, life-giving connection. We may realize more and more that He has been with us all along.