The Importance of Solitude

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LifeVerse

 

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” Mark 6:31

 

LifeNotes

 

I sit and watch the bluejays flit and flutter from branch to branch. The metal roof creaks in time to the breeze as maple branches brush against it. The sun warms me and a horse fly valiantly buzzes. In the distance the hum of the combine harvester soothes, and my gentle daughter trains her appaloosa.

 

I’m alone. My phone is silenced. My music of choice is the life around me. I’m wearing ministry like a worn coat with holes in the elbows. It’s been a hard couple of months and I’m finding the “aloneness” restful.

 

LifeLesson

 

Jesus’ disciples had just returned from their third ministry trip, and they bubbled over with excitement in the retelling of all they had done and taught. Can you imagine the stories they had to tell? The energy, laughter, and rejoicing must have been contagious. Sharing our ministry journey’s with one another is vital to encouraging one another. We share one another’s joys and burdens, but we also need rest. 

 

Jesus called his disciples to rest. To rest in quiet. No distractions. That’s the beauty of desolate places. Somewhere along the way, we’ve gotten uncomfortable with quiet. We sit in a waiting room and fill it with chatter or scrolling on our phones. We fill our days with articles, podcasts, and chitchat. But, maybe, we need to receive the gift of rest through silence. 

 

Make time for rest. It can be ten minutes of a calmed heart and mind in the coat closet or a leisurely walk through the nearest park. In your rest, notice what you see, hear, and feel. Jesus invites us into quiet so that we might hear what he has to say. Listen, hear his heart. Be still. Embrace quiet. Rest. 

 

LifePrayer

 

Lord Jesus, we say “Yes” to your invitation to rest. We come away with you to a quiet, distraction free zone so that we might be able to converse with you. You provide us with daily opportunities to minister and then you call us to rest to rejuvenate our heart. Thank-you for meeting our needs and urging us to rest with you.” Amen.