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A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Alexandra Drew

Good morning.

I was a funny little thing as a child – ever so sensitive. I recall a day when I was looking at baby pictures of myself, and seeing one particular snapshot of infant me soundly sleeping in my cradle, I promptly burst into tears. I felt terribly sorry for this poor little baby in the photo, all alone, with nobody there to look after her.

I don’t know how mum kept a straight face, but she calmly reassured me that I hadn’t been alone – how could I be, when someone must surely have been there to take the photo!

Childish daftness aside, I had a sense even then, that nobody should be alone.

But from the cradle to the grave, most of us will be alone, and experience loneliness at some time. It’s worse for older people, when loneliness is magnified by bereavements, declining health, digital exclusion, and often poverty. Apart from not being very nice, loneliness is also bad for our health – apparently worse than smoking 15 cigarettes a day!

So I’m grateful, for all the churches, community groups, friendly neighbours and family members who infuse the lives of older people with friendship, purpose and a sense of belonging – the antidote to loneliness.

Heavenly Father, thank you that in the Bible you promise never to leave us or forsake us. Like the photographer in my baby photo, you are unseen but ever present, always ready to give comfort. Thank you for all those who bring love and laughter into the lives of older people. And for anyone, at any age, who is feeling lonely today – I pray that they will find connections and hope that bring them life.

Amen.

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