When You Sit Alone at Lunch

Hey, Carpool Crew! Happy Saturday. I'm Pastor Justin, and before we jump in, let me give a big shout-out to my very own backseat crew: Beckett, Cannon, Maverick and Everly. That is right, my own four kids, all on one shout-out. So glad you are with us this weekend. And this episode is about the scariest five minutes of the whole school day for a lot of kids: walking into the lunchroom. You know that feeling, tray in your hands, eyes scanning every table, and that cold drop in your stomach when it looks like there is nowhere for you? Yeah. We've all been there. Let's jump in with the one thing I want you to remember for the ride: even when it feels like nobody saved you a seat, God never leaves you on your own. Listen to this from Psalm 27:10. It says, "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me." That is a big promise. It means even in the moment you feel the most left out, God has not stepped away. He is right there. The person who wrote this knew real loneliness, the kind where it feels like everyone has someone except you. And even then, he found out God stays. Feeling alone and being alone are not the same thing. The lunchroom can feel huge and empty even when God is sitting closer than the kid across the table. If Jesus were sitting next to you right now, He would lean over and say, "I see you standing there with your tray. You are not invisible to Me, and you are not alone. I am right here, and I am not going anywhere." It is lunch. You have got your tray, the tables are loud and full, and your stomach drops. So instead of only hunting for a spot for you, you look for someone else who feels how you feel, a kid sitting kind of alone, and you walk over and ask, "Can I sit here?" And just like that, two lonely turns into two together. Hey, this week, try these two things. First, when the lonely feeling hits, say it quiet: God is right here, I am not on my own. Second, be the seat-saver. Find one kid who looks alone and sit with them, because the cure for feeling left out is often helping somebody else feel let in. Hey, let's go back to that one thing I wanted you to remember for the ride. Even when it feels like nobody saved you a seat, God never leaves you on your own. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, if these episodes are part of your family's rhythm, come follow us on Instagram for reminders you can show your kids during the week. Before you go, let's answer this question together. Who is one kid you have seen sitting alone, and what could you do this week to help them feel let in? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.