Contemplation

The first moment I saw the following picture I was instantly in love. It captures so beautifully a world I have many times experienced for myself. I felt connected to the child in so many ways, possibly because I too often gazed out the window on bus rides home, becoming lost in that place where reality gives way to imagination, or the bustle and noise of life are shut out to allow passage to the innermost thoughts and feelings of one's soul. Then I noted that the picture was titled Loneliness. Which is exactly how I have felt the last couple of days. John Milton once said, 

"Loneliness is the first thing which God's eyes named, not good." Today I understand that a little better. In the past, I may have viewed loneliness as simply being alone. Today I'd describe it more as the absence of good company when such is desired. In an effort to ebb our loneliness, I got together with two other wives whose husbands are gone for the five weeks as well and we enjoyed a pleasant evening together. But when the evening came to a close and we each headed home, that void of friendly companionship greeted me harshly at the door. How thankful I am for the past year in which Fred and I have been able to spend so much time together. He truly has been my best friend and is sorely missed in his absence.