Owner of A Lonely Heart

The British rock group Yes released its first album in 1969, but flew under the US radar during its early years. It wasn't until 1971 that their albums "Fragile" and "The Yes Album" appeared on US charts. Over the next twelve years, Yes placed an album on the charts eleven times, and had singles hit the US Hot 100 only four times. It wasn't until the 1983 release of "Owner of A Lonely Heart" that this band managed to have a number one hit on the US Singles charts.

Written by Trevor Rabin, these lyrics tend to echo in your mind. At this time of year, the song's title brings you to wonder just who this song applies to! Spending the holidays alone can certainly fit under that mantel. As we move into the final days before the celebration of Christmas, walk a little slower and take a good look at those around you.

The song invites you to take a good look at yourself, not always the most comfortable thing to do. Are you more focused on self than you should be? As Rabin wrote:

Move yourself, you've always lived your life, never thinking of the future.Prove yourself, you are the move you make, take your chances win or loser. See yourself, you are the steps you take, you and you and that's the only way. Shake, shake yourself, you're every move you make, so the story goes.

What does that mean to me? Look deep within. You've lived your life for the moment, not caring or concerned about the future, selfishly thinking only of yourself. This could be a spot on definition of the overused phrase of the past "it's all about ME!".

The chorus is repeated often throughout this song, and seems to remind you that it's much better to be alone and happy than to suffer the pain of a broken heart. How do we know if our neighbor, friend, or the person down the street has a broken heart? We don't, as a general rule. Most of us don't tend to have a neon sign flashing on our forehead that screams "Broken Heart Inside!!", but it can sometimes show in our actions, demeanor, and even dress.

This economy and these trying times are causing us all to take a closer look within, and around. Contrary to popular belief, it's not all about money this time of year. Small things mean so much, and can do more to lift a spirit than most big things.

Here's a test. For the next two hours, smile at every person you come into contact with, whether you know them or not. To do this, you have to do one more thing ... make eye contact! Don't look at the ground (at the floor, at your shopping cart or list, the ceiling ... ), but look at the faces of those around you and make a sincere effort to make eye contact and SMILE. What will you have accomplished? You may never know. For the "owner" of a lonely (or broken) heart, you may be the single spark of happiness that gets injected into their day. What an amazing idea! An individuals, we do not always have the ability to effect great change. Together with God we can do anything, for He gives us great strength. Let the God in your heart show on your face, and share a smile today!

God, I ask that you lay your hands on the broken and lonely hearts and give them comfort. Please lay your hands on me and allow me to shine as your messenger. Help me to spread the joy that knowing you brings, and to bring a smile to someone's heart.

"Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy, and I will give thanks to him in song."~Psalms 28:6-7 NIV