When you have been shunned, ignored, and avoided, you feel like an unwanted outsider. Some people don't seem to realize that you're being left out. Or if they do, they don't understand that just a little bit of friendliness can make an 'outsider' feel so much better!
When I attended the Sunday night youth group at my old church, I was an Outsider. Sure, I had two or three friends that I always sat with, but I wanted so badly for some of the others to accept me! I sat with them, but was ignored, I tried to join conversations, but got weird looks and turned backs instead of replies. Due to this, I was lonely, annoyed, and unhappy most Sunday nights.
But one Sunday sticks out in my memory, because I came home happy. It had started out even lonelier than most, because my handful of friends weren't there. I played the game and was knocked down numerous times. I sat by The Clique during song time. I endured a lonely seat by the rest through the lesson. then I managed to get 3rd place in the snack line. Here, I deviated from my normal routine. Instead of simply existing by the Popular group, I walked over to the last table. And sat alone. Would anyone come sit with me, or would they just ignore my presence? My bet was placed on the latter option.
Person after person left the line, glanced once 'round the room, and placed their plates at the Popular Table. Maybe this wasn't such a hot idea after all.
Two people left in line. Ethan picked up his drink and let his eyes wander the room. They stopped at my lonely table. Happiness swept over me as I realized I was not doomed to eat alone this time! Ethan took a seat, then Blake, the last person in line, didn't even glance at the Popular Table, but marched over and joined us.
The three of us ate and talked together, deciding that the game we had played (broomball) was the best game in the last few weeks. We also agreed that dodgeball, even though we were all better the dodging part than the throwing, should be played next, and that the brownies were tasty. I returned home in higher spirits than the past weeks, happy that I was not invisible.
Ethan may not have known it, but him coming over and sitting with me, even though it was such a little thing, made a lasting impression on me.
Now, when I see an Outsider sitting alone, I try to go say 'hi' and sit with them, or invite them to join us. Because I know what it's like to be alone, and I know how much a little thing can help.
