Thanks to Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, we’ve all bought into silver linings on one level or another. The idea that even in the absolute worst situation, there is something beautiful to be found if you search hard enough. On pen and paper, it seems like a pretty great concept, and on the big screen, even better. But in real life? Now that, my friends, is a whole different story.
After I graduated college, I took a job in Nebraska, over 700 miles from home. I had nothing more promised to me than a bi-weekly paycheck and benefits. Some would argue that in times like these, in this post-recession economy, that being offered a job is enough of a silver lining.
But not for me. Not this time.
Whether it’s school, work or somewhere in between, being the “new kid” is never a coveted title. My first week in the office couldn’t have proved this theory more true. So when my first weekend in Nebraska finally began, I was ecstatic to say the least. Had I continued in the true fashion of my post-graduate routine, friends and a few drinks would’ve been in order, followed by a morning without an alarm clock. However, that weekend was different. That weekend, I hit my rock bottom.
When I woke up that Saturday, pictures of my ex-girlfriend’s wedding were all over social media by way of mutual acquaintances. This is the ex who had broke up with me over the phone, ending our multiple year stint together with a few simple words: “We’re over, I never want to see or hear from you again.” Click.
And I hadn’t seen or heard from her again. Until that Saturday in September, when I heard loud and clear that she was doing well. Actually, she was having the absolute happiest day of her entire life. I on the other hand, was experiencing arguably the loneliest of mine.
I tried coping a dozen different ways over that weekend. I drank too much, ate too little, never left my apartment, and watched more television than anyone should. Not once did I even think about opening my Bible or taking the time just to say a simple prayer, asking for peace of mind.
Over the next few days, I recognized not only my own loneliness, but how often I fall short of who God has made me to be. How I need Christ first and foremost, and that I can’t go at it alone. I need people around me. After all, life is a little easier with a few cheerleaders by our side, isn’t it?
Instead of chasing that abstract silver lining, I’ve started to focus on people I get to do life with on a daily basis, whether that connection is in person, on the phone, or a few kinds words in a text message. It’s time to forget the silver linings and hold onto the people present in our lives, because that’s what really matters.
Flickr photo (cc) by roberthuffstutter
