Only the lonely and Johnny Cash

This entry is a strange weblog record.

It's funny sometimes. As a single male regularly traveling for business, I can feel a little lonely. For some folks, they feel loneliness when they are alone on business travel. That's why some people don't like to travel for work. It can be so solitary to eat alone or sleep alone. They feel stuck in the hotels or in the restaurants.

For me, I feel that slight twinge when I return from a trip. I usually enjoy traveling on my own or with family/friends. It's when I return home to an empty place that I feel that loneliness. I will feel a little sorry for myself when I open that apt door, but it usually dissipates when I get back in the swing of things. Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy traveling. I like exploring cities and countries, meeting with people and talking. Lots of talking!

I was just reminiscing on the past events last week. After coming back from a highly productive time in Charleston, SC, I sensed that feeling again. Yes, I felt lonely, but I later felt guilty. Why am I feeling so sorry about myself. I've got a great job, a great place to live, good health, and, most importantly, a most excellent Savior!

So, I'm not currently seeing anybody right now. With work responsibilities, graduate class, and ministry responsibilities, there hasn't been much time for a social life lately. I'm not complaining. I sorta feeling ashamed of these moods. With all the latest catastrophes happening in the world right now (hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Beta; earthquakes and deaths; and so much destruction), I should feel grateful for what I have. And, I do.

Johnny Cash's words from "The Man In Black" seem to be appropriate for my mood.

Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.

Johnny Cash, the American country singer, led a very exciting life. I'm a recent fan of the baritone. He epitomizes the loner who gathers solace from his music. I was very surprised that he grew up with Gospel music, and he frequently wanted to record a gospel record. Most major music studios at that time (in the 50s/60s) were not interested in making these types of records. A new movie about his life will come out fairly soon. The roguish actor, Joaquin Phoenix, will play Johnny in the movie. I wonder if the movie will show much about his conversion to Christian fundamentalism and his early and latter life as a Christian. Like others, his life served as a testimonial about Christ's involvement and I hope that part of his life will be portrayed in the movie. I'll have to check the movie.

Today's verse: Psalm 25:15-17 (New International Version)

My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.

The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.