October 1, 2023 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

By Jemylou Realon

IFH: October 1, 2023

Being Challenge - Seeking Solitude

Seeking solitude was definitely my favourite week of The Being Challenge. But it was also the hardest personally. I realized that oftentimes it's easier to keep busy and find things to do than to be in solitude intentionally, without distractions and without things like our devices and phones to keep us company. I also realized that I often make excuses, like "I've been so busy, this is my only free time to relax" or "I'm too tired, I don't have time to be in solitude without falling asleep.”

However, even in those times where we do choose quiet and solitude, it can feel very lonely and we are left to deal with unkind thoughts to ourselves and sadness and even anxieties. Jesus went through loneliness so that you and I would never be alone. That one statement made me feel so much because it's so common to feel like we are alone. Especially during COVID, when we were isolated and apart from one another, we had no choice but to be alone. Being someone who especially values quality and community and relationships, solitude is a difficult thing for me to wan willingly.

I learned that just because we are in solitude, it does not mean we are alone. God is with each of us and in those moments, where we may feel the loneliest and in turn also feel low about ourselves, God is still there and He also loves us and forgives us, when we don't forgive or love ourselves. Although it is difficult, solitude is something that we need as Christians, not only for ourselves to help us grow, but to build our relationships with God. It is encouragement and a reminder to take the distractions of this world and set it aside, to put our phones down, to sit in silence, to be intentional with our quiet time, for even just a moment and focus our minds on the One who loves us and is not in the chaos, but also in the gentle silence.