Loneliness is one of the greatest problems in the world, especially during the holidays. The season starts with Thanksgiving and, for many, drags on until after the new year.

My seventh-grade teacher, Sister Mary Evangelist, said it was the saddest time of the year for most people. Being a 12-year-old waiting for the school holidays and presents, I didn’t understand that. As I’ve grown older, I realize that loneliness is a problem that most people don’t handle very well.

I certainly can understand that for families who have recently lost a loved one or have family members and close friends hospitalized. These situations are easy to identify and give Christians an opportunity to reach out and sympathize with those affected.

How about the divorcee with children and limited finances trying to just exist through the holidays? Let’s not forget those incarcerated and their families or the aged living alone and only desiring someone to talk to. Don’t forget the unemployed, who I’m sure are just concerned about what next year will bring.

For people who are lonely without any of the problems I have mentioned, one sure way to have an exciting holiday season is to reach out to someone and help ease their burden.

The secret to living is giving, and I’m not talking about material things but giving of yourself.

A few years ago, one of my wealthy friends who is very generous said, “God doesn’t care about the money I give. He really wants me to give of myself.” That makes me think about another group of lonely people who have everything but are selfish.

Yes, this is the time for gift giving, Christian songs, family gatherings and everything that goes with the season.

Speaking about gifts, let’s concentrate on God’s gift to us. It came wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. If we focus on the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus, we will not be able to forget those in a lonely and hurting world.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.