She'd had enough. She didn't get her way. Life wasn't fair! She dropped to the floor, kicking, arms flailing, sobbing, and garnered immediate attention startling her mother with the sudden outburst.    

Tantrums! The piercing screams of a toddler make it sound as if the world is coming to an end. The sudden explosive behavior usually takes place at the worst of times, too--in a crowded store aisle, in the middle of a phone call or work-at-home meeting.            

When the trauma-drama ends, the little one may be still laying there on the floor, unwilling to part from the surface of the floor or rug.      

Thankfully, toddlers outgrow this behavior and grow up to be adults much like you or me. Sometimes, though, I feel like I have a "rug" moment, too. Just the other day, overwhelmed by the trauma going on in the world, I just wanted to retreat to a place of comfort, wishing we could be free from worry over Covid and other disease, free from injustice, political upheaval, raging fires destroying homes, forests, and tundra, and other maladies that clouded my thinking.  

The "Rug and Me." Sometimes, it's a place I want to be.  

When we have "rug" moments, we'd like to have someone near, someone to listen to our hurts and frustrations, someone to care, a shoulder to lean on. Sometimes we want to cry out, "Life's not fair!" like the little one who drops to the floor in a tantrum.   
 
But, comfort awaits, even if no one happens to be near. There is One who will always be with us for the asking. A Friend of all friends, the One who will listen to us at any time of the day or night. The title of a song I learned as a child, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, comes to mind.  Perhaps you remember this song, too?  The words ring true.    

Need rug time? Call upon Jesus. He's awaits with open arms. His comfort is one that extends far beyond anything else on this earthly realm.     
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"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." - Proverbs 18:24
"No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you my friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." - John 15:15 
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     Feeling alone during the pandemic? If you're nodding, "Yes," you're not alone. Even if we have family or friends close by, we may still feel isolated. It is a strange notion that we are all "in this together," yet we suffer separately.

     That feeling of being alone escalated last week when a family member was admitted to the I.C.U. Due to the pandemic, visitors were not allowed, so there was no one to sit by the bedside or hold a hand. It was frightening, worrisome, and depressing for her--and for the family.       
     
     Multitudes of prayers had been said over days of desperation. Then, an answer came: "Love will get your through." I rejoiced at the thought. Yes. Physical presence may have been prohibited, but the connection of hearts between family and friends remained strong as everyone reached out to each other in love.       

     God is good. Prayers have been answered. The latest news is that healing has begun for our family's loved one.      

     Have you faced a similar situation--or are you feeling isolated during this pandemic? If so, pray for God's guidance through this difficult time, then reach out to others. Make that phone call. Send that email. Ease the loneliness by staying connected--heart connected. You will be helping yourself--and someone else, too. 
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     Do you know that God desires to connect with you? No matter what has happened in your life, He loves you and cares about you. Call on Him. He's just a prayer away, 24/7.  

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10(a)
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