Solitude Helps us follow Christ More Closely
Noted Psychiatrist Carl Jung once remarked: “After having lavished its light upon the world, the sun withdraws its rays in order to illumine itself.” When I read that quote, I thought that’s what solitude does. It is an act of being alone to be with oneself comfortably. We seek solitude for the health of the soul.
Jesuit Father William Barry writes in his book, A Friendship Like No Other, that the biggest obstacle to prayer, is the belief that our relationship with God depends on us, or how good or significant we are.
God’s love does not rely on us and what we do. God’s offer of friendship does not depend on our significance, but rather solely on God’s desire for us.
Even when we have easy access to other people, we still seek our solitude. Why? Because we realize that in life, we need quiet time set aside so we can concentrate on our inner growth. Our sacred self is “God’s image and likeness.” Through this special time the priority is for spiritual growth.
During these indispensable moments, we can focus without the world’s noise, distractions, and clutter – at least for a while! When we make solitude a part of our spirituality, we often never know the results. However, it is always more than we can imagine.
Solitude’s quiet is the perfect time to stop and listen to Jesus speak those important words his father gave him. However, our solitude can be thought of negatively as aloneness and isolation. But isolation means we are cut-off from the rest of the world by circumstances over which we have no control, solitude provides a chance for pilgrims to choose to pause, examine experiences, and review what the spirit may be asking of them.
The reflection which flows from solitude makes the present moment a contented place to grow. Within our solitude, it is good to remember that God is not finished with us yet.
Therefore, do not panic that you are not perfect yet. God writes straight with crooked lines. Be gentle with yourself. Remember God is not finished with you yet. Keep looking at what you have and know there is only one you, and there never will be another you. It is never too late to become who God intended you to be when he created you and called you to follow him.
Remember these words from Saint Francis de Sales, “Be who you are and be that well as a testament to the master craftsman who created you.”
Painting: Woman at Window, Salvador Dali
