We would be better Christians if we spent more time alone, and we would actually accomplish more if we attempted less and spent more time in isolation and quiet waiting upon God. The world has become too much a part of us, and we are afflicted with the idea that we aren't accomplishing anything unless we are always busily running back and forth. We no longer believe in the importance of a calm retreat where we sit silently in the shade. As the people of God, we have become entirely too practical. We believe in having "all our irons in the fire" and that all the time we spend away from the anvil or fire is wasted time. Yet our time is never more profitably spent than when looking up to heaven. We can never have too many of these open spaces in life- hours set aside when our soul is completely open and accessible to any heavenly thought or influence that God may be pleased to send or way. Someone once said, "Meditation is the Sunday of the mind." In these hectic days, we sould often give our mind a "Sunday," a time in which it will do no work but instead will simply be still, look heavenward, and spread itself before the Lord like Gideon's fleece, allowing itself to be soaked with the moisture of the dew of heaven. We should have intervals of time when we do nothing, think nothing, and plan nothing but simply lie on the green lap of nature and "rest a while."
Time spent in this way is not lost time.
~Streams in the Desert
I don't do well at just doing nothing. And maybe thats a problem.
Up until recently, I haven't truly known how refreshing solitude can be. As a typical, busy American, always on the go, I just never took time (outside of my quite time with the Lord each morning) to purposefully seclude myself to quiet my mind from all the distractions of life. It really is amazing how much peace comes from simply sitting still and listening. There was one time when I was on a camping trip and during one of the nature hikes, I found a beautiful spot, nestled into the side of a creek bank. I remember just sitting there, watching the water trickle by and enjoying nothing more than the subtle sounds of nature, cherishing the few moments of separation from the world. It's amazing how much peace we find that God for us if we would only slow down and make time for Him!
Lately I've been thinking about checking in to a local retreat center for a day or two of SILENCE. Can you imagine me in such a place for 24 hours? Can't, huh? I can't either. Maybe that's why I need to go.