Seeking Solitude
A month an a half back home seemed to pass in the blink of an eye! I had a wonderful time just catching up with friends and family. Haven’t been away from home for such a long time before actually, but it was great to be back and to be reminded of my home country again….not forgetting the food haha!
Returning to Aussie meant that I had to adapt myself to the quietness again. But it’s different this time as I am more or less certain of what I’ll be doing and have friends to look for! Unlike my first arrival where I had no friends, no church, haven’t even seen my room or flatmates……everything was fresh to me then. Looking back, it was amazing how I got through that stage….but through it all I know that God was guiding me and I thoroughly enjoyed my 2006.
One of the things that I truly enjoyed in Aussie was being able to do things that I liked, at my own pace without having to rush through the traffic or being immune to noisy surroundings. I get to go to the library, borrow books, read them by the beach, at the park, and just enjoy the peace and nature. I have ample time to seek God, read His words and be refreshed each day.
As I was reading one day, this was something that struck me…..something that I’ve not really thought of….
Loneliness vs Solitude. Loneliness comes when we are forced to be alone; solitude is a voluntary withdrawal from other people. Loneliness sweeps over us and hangs on in spite of our best efforts to cast it off; solitude can be started and terminated at will. Loneliness is painful, draining and unpleasant; solitude can be refreshing, rejuvenating, and enjoyable.
I recalled last year, there was a time when I felt most alone….or rather I chose to be alone was when I decided to travel on my own up to Sunshine Coast to visit a friend. I was trying to be adventurous and actually wandered on my own for the 1st time for about the whole day as I had to wait for my friend to pick me up only after work. So, meanwhile I stopped at different places along the Coast and this BIG Pineapple plantation. Boy, that was the quietest 2 hours there I had all alone!!!! But it was then when I spent the whole 2 hours just reflecting and talking to God.
These are some moments of solitude that a found refreshing….. “There’s no greater joy Lord, than being with You.”
Returning to Aussie meant that I had to adapt myself to the quietness again. But it’s different this time as I am more or less certain of what I’ll be doing and have friends to look for! Unlike my first arrival where I had no friends, no church, haven’t even seen my room or flatmates……everything was fresh to me then. Looking back, it was amazing how I got through that stage….but through it all I know that God was guiding me and I thoroughly enjoyed my 2006.
One of the things that I truly enjoyed in Aussie was being able to do things that I liked, at my own pace without having to rush through the traffic or being immune to noisy surroundings. I get to go to the library, borrow books, read them by the beach, at the park, and just enjoy the peace and nature. I have ample time to seek God, read His words and be refreshed each day.
As I was reading one day, this was something that struck me…..something that I’ve not really thought of….
Loneliness vs Solitude. Loneliness comes when we are forced to be alone; solitude is a voluntary withdrawal from other people. Loneliness sweeps over us and hangs on in spite of our best efforts to cast it off; solitude can be started and terminated at will. Loneliness is painful, draining and unpleasant; solitude can be refreshing, rejuvenating, and enjoyable.
I recalled last year, there was a time when I felt most alone….or rather I chose to be alone was when I decided to travel on my own up to Sunshine Coast to visit a friend. I was trying to be adventurous and actually wandered on my own for the 1st time for about the whole day as I had to wait for my friend to pick me up only after work. So, meanwhile I stopped at different places along the Coast and this BIG Pineapple plantation. Boy, that was the quietest 2 hours there I had all alone!!!! But it was then when I spent the whole 2 hours just reflecting and talking to God.
These are some moments of solitude that a found refreshing….. “There’s no greater joy Lord, than being with You.”
posted by ~cheryl~ @ 3:10 PM
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