Solitude
Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
--Psalm 4: 1
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of “uninterruptedness.” Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time when we intentionally limit outside distractions so that the “inside noises” can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed to the silence (to the Holy, to God).
I can still recall one powerful moment of solitude I was privileged to observe. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved “stuff” and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. “Are you in a better place now?” I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
A prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.15.08
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