There have been many times when I have been alone.  Usually, however, aloneness doesn’t bother me.  My career-calling has required that alone-state many times.

I’m fine with a fishing pole and the challenge of locating a day’s catch.  There have been many hours spent hopping rocks on a promising trout stream.  The solitary pursuit of the elusive rainbow, brown, cutthroat or brook trout has been part of countless days along the water’s edge.

There have also been many hours spent in the woods alone. With my hiking boots laced tightly I have left human company behind. Yet, I was satisfied.

Motorcycle riding is usually done alone.  As the endless ribbon of asphalt races underneath my boots, I am lost in solitude and isolation.  Yet, it feels good.  Such moments soothes and relieves. 

To be fair I am not really alone at those moments.  When I wade across a brook, walk through the woods or travel on my motorcycle, I am in frequent meditation.  It is a time to converse with God about the matters that are on my heart.  Aloneness is more of a description of being away from people.

But, there are times of aloneness that are not my favorite times.  When I am by myself while surrounded by people who are engaged with others, I feel lonely.  The worst is waiting to be seated at a restaurant and the greeter calls out, “Fong, party of one.”

That’s an announcement that makes fasting seem quite appealing.  No matter how good the food has been, a fast food hamburger just might seem a bit more welcoming.  Those moments are the worst.  They often come when I’m traveling.  Those times are worth avoiding and calling in for room service. 

When I am in a strange city and my obligations are done, I rarely visit amusement sites when I am alone.  Surrounded by families enjoying each other and couples in love make me feel lonely.  So, I skip the tourist activities.

Alone is only bad when I let loneliness creep inside of me.  Instead, I engage people when I can.  As quickly as possible I make new friends. When there is an occasion to help someone, I do.  When the people are gone, I settle in and rest my soul with a good book, compose a blog or go for a long walk with my best friend of all, Jesus.