With the approaching holidays, we hear many say, “I'm so lonely and unhappy.”

Loneliness is no respecter of people whether they are introverts or extroverts. It seems to pounce on us in the midst of a crowd, party or vacation and at school, church or in the military.

Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science, states in “Science and Health With Key To The Scriptures:” “Would existence without personal friends be to you a blank? Then the time will come when you will be solitary, left without sympathy; but this vacuum is already filled with divine love.”

She also writes these comforting words: “Divine love always has met and always will meet every human need.” In other words, God is already feeding the hungry heart without exceptions.

The master metaphysician Christ Jesus promised in John 14:18, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

He was offering his continuous ever- present companionship to each of us just for the asking.

He also said, “I am not alone, because the father is with me.”

We can know that we, too, have that same secure relationship with God and that he will not desert or deceive us.

I love the wonderful promise in The Bible Ps. 68:6: “God setteth the solitary in families.” What a warm thought.

Yearning for companionship can motivate us to get out of self and discover ways to share our love with our fellow man. We certainly have the resources to engage in selfless activities such as brightening someone's day with a short visit, a smile or friendly good morning greeting. I like to give a healing hug whenever they will let me.

When a friend confided in me about her loneliness, I suggested she make a list of all the qualities she would like to see in a companion, then demonstrate each one of them and patiently wait to see the fruitage of her effort.

A touch of companionship can come from a neighbor, grocer, mail deliverer, server in your favorite restaurant or whomever you come in contact with daily. It's your call.

You are needed. Someone is looking for what you have to offer. If you open your eyes and heart, opportunities for activity will plop right in your lap.

Before you know it, you will sense the true meaning of companionship and feel complete and embraced by God's presence.

Fran Esser is a member of Palm Desert Christian Science Church and the Mid-Valley Interfaith Council.