This last week, my wife and I spent a few days in the mountains of Georgia, for a couple of reasons.  One was visiting brethren, which is always forefront in my mind in serving God’s family.  Secondly, was for a bit of “R and R”.  For some, that means some down time with “rest and relaxation”. For others, it means “rigor, rush and/or routine”.

Something once struck me as I returned to the U.S. after a lengthy pastoral visit to Central America.  Especially with the scurrying of folks as they scrambled through the stores to buy things at that time of year.  It reminded me of this.

In today’s crowded civilization, and this busy-busy, hurry-hurry active society, with social media eating up much of our time, and the never ending media out pouring of information to distract us from what is really important, man is finding it increasingly difficult to indulge in one of the most priceless luxuries which life can give: occasional total solitude.

Being alone does not mean being lonely.  It means cutting off the external, the superficial, and superfluous.  It means seeking instead inner strength which one finds in solitude and best in solitude with his Creator.

It enriches the spirit and ennobles the man, and one who denies himself its refuge is simply not living life to its fullest.

Many men and women have found their greatest inspiration in solitude.  It can bring inner peace and rewards to us all.

You don’t have to be a rebel, or eccentric, or weird in order to spend some time alone.

A walk alone as the sun sets, sitting on a garden bench, or lawn chair which I cherish here in my own back yard on the coast of Alabama, a short slow drive on one of the back roads here where we live…  no life must be too busy for moments like these.  David, when herding sheep, often spent time, musing, pondering, meditating, as he found solitude a time to refresh and re connect with His Creator.

The day to day problems which seem so difficult to master in the turmoil of the office or workplace resolve themselves when one is alone.

All things pull back into perspective, often a better one.  One can stop and analyze one’s worries…  and dismiss them.  The armor which all of us assume in our social contacts falls away.  We are at peace with our God and ourselves once again.

Don’t be afraid of being alone now and then.  If you are… be careful, something is wrong.  Make it a point to stop, and take time to make your acquaintance, and reconnect with your Creator.

You’ll get a surprise, because you will meet a very nice and interesting person, a child of God that has potential beyond your wildest imaginations.

So friends, as the world scurries around us…  stop, ponder, meditate, muse, and take some time alone, you will be glad you did.

God’s Sabbath affords us extra time to do this…  what a blessing that truly is.

…as I close this letter, as I do every Friday evening…  as we enter His Sabbath…  reflect on this with me, will you?

And again, may God continue to richly bless you.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you daily!  Please do pray for us as well.