Solitude

I like being alone. I like to daydream and it is best done alone. I like to read, write and create. Those activities are also best done alone without the distractions of others. It takes some effort to get solitude for myself. My full house lends itself to much noise, and so finding a place where I am alone may be possible, but human sounds surround me and remind me someone is nearby. In truth I can never be totally alone.

God has promised that He will be with me always. I am glad He is. Even in my solitude I need His presence. Without Him solitude would be empty, painful and depressing. Solitude in his presence is fulfilling, joyful and comforting!

Solitude is the best way to find God. Jesus demonstrated that when He would go away to pray. Jacob went to be alone before meeting his estranged brother and he ended up wrestling with God. We can enjoy the presence of God in the company of other believers, but when we are alone with Him we receive special attention. It makes me want to find real solitude soon! How about you?

Ever present God, You are always with me! I never need to feel alone even in the solitude that draws me deeper into You. I need and desire those times when I am secluded from the world with only You by my side. Thank You for being near. Thank You for choosing to be in communion with me. Thank You for Your gentle presence. I love You!

Tree House

The last time I was in my hometown, I took this picture. This tree still lives in the front yard of my childhood home. My sisters and I called it our tree house. We had no walls or floor or ceiling. We had a few boards nailed to the side of the tree so we could climb up and one board wedged in between the first break of the branches. You can't see it but it is still there!

Our tree house was a place of solitude and silence. We each had our "room," a special limb that we called our own. You can see mine on the left hand side. I loved to sit and read, imagine and think wonderful thoughts up there! I don't remember many times that we were all there at one time. It was almost always a quiet alone time.

The memories of that tree house experience are vivid and powerful. They draw me with a desire to find just the right solitary silent spot for my time now. Maybe I need another tree to sit under? Maybe I need a new place of wonder and imagination?

I think it must be away from the computer, cell phone,T.V., and other distractions. I am looking for that special place! A place God has made just for me!

Father, I hear You calling me to a time of quiet aloneness with You. Delight me with a special place where I can once again be filled with joy and wonder, ideas and imaginings! Let's meet in a special place!

Costly Obedience

Obedience is costly. When we choose to obey Parents, the law or God we pay a price.

We give up control and for those of us who like to be in control that is a high price to pay. Then there are times when we come against opposition to the path of obedience and we pay the cost of a change is relationships or our circumstances. Obedience is NOT easy!

There are times when obedience will force us to stand alone. There may be people on both sides of an issue who will oppose our walk with God. Like Paul who found himself criticized by both the followers of the way and by the Jewish community we must stand firm with God.

Solitude. It can be a dangerous, lonely, and costly place to stand, but God will never let our obedience go unrewarded! The question for today is: Am I willing to stand alone in obedience? Am I willing to live a life of solitude, knowing that my reward is Jesus Himself?

Father, I want to belong and yet I am called to obey You in some matters that put me on the outside of a group. I must depend on You to help me stand alone in the world but never alone in You! You have promised to be with me always and I want very much to choose You and Your way! Lead me Lord! I depend on You!