(The first of a three-part posting about seeking times and places of solitude in the midst of our busy lives)
“In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there.” Mark 1: 35
What surrounds this short piece of scripture In Mark’s gospel is a description of just how hectic Jesus’ life was. He was constantly on the move, walking from town to town, preaching in the synagogues, healing the sick, casting out demons, and dealing with impatient disciples. But in the midst of all this activity, he knew the importance of getting away and being quiet for a while. It’s an important lesson for us all to learn.
We’re all busy and our lives are chock-full of “stuff.” This stuff is mostly necessary, no doubt. We need to do the things we need to do, like go to work, take care of our homes and children and spouses, contribute to our communities and churches, volunteer to help others and good causes, and spend time with our favorite people. It’s all good. But it’s exhausting.
[Read more…] about Solitude: Finding our own “lonely place” (part 1)