Into the Wilderness

There are different types of people. Some do not like to be alone and take pleasure in constant companionship. Others, like me, enjoy, and appreciate the most, solitude. It’s in the secluded places, the quiet moments, when I get recharged. If time passes and I don’t take in that needed spell of renewal, my energies drain fast, leaving me feeling weary.

When life gets especially zany, complicated, or busy, friends “spaz out” or let me or someone close to me down, solitude is my requisite for peace of mind and spirit. It’s where I regroup. I have to take a step back to reassess life, motives, goals, and regard true friends, before I mindfully let all of that go in order to reflect on purpose and to engage in prayer.

The Bible reveals that Jesus often slipped into the wilderness. After all, he addressed needy, hurting, sick crowds of pursuing people. I imagine that he sought those secluded places in the mountains, along a stream’s edge, any spot of solitude, so that he could connect intimately again with the Father, to pray, to seek renewal. This is a good example by which to live.

For some, a little solitude goes a long way. For others, a lot of solitude is golden. Metaphorically speaking, I’ve slipped into the wilderness; wilderness that offers a “back on track” ticket to humanity in an unhinged world.

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