Setting her down in her bed for an afternoon rest I make a dash to the bathroom. Closing the door. I breathe deep. Aw…alone. Actually completely alone. I can just sit here on the toilet as long as I want…completely alone.
When I became a mother I didn’t understand the fact that alone time would be so rare. I love being with my daughter. Her presence is a sweet gift, however, I deeply appreciate alone time. The quiet stillness…rest.
As a single woman, I remember despising all the alone time I had. I just wanted to be with someone…the ones…my future family. Now I see the ups and downs of both. The unending alone time and the rare moments of quiet. I see the beauty that both can hold. I see how God can and does use both seasons to grow us and bless us.
Reflecting on this topic today my mind is brought to Jesus. He comprehended the magnitude of both the quiet alone time and the times of being with the crowds.
Jesus understood when He needed to be with the crowds. He knew when He should encourage and move. He also recognized His human need to be alone. To go to a place for refreshing from God.
We, too need such a balance in our lives. Seek wisdom regarding what you need. Let God direct your steps into the desolate places and among the crowds. There is time for both. There is a need for us to be attentive to God’s heart in this sweet balance.
Father, I pray You could speak into each heart reading this today. Direct their steps. Father, grant them wisdom in finding a balance between the quiet places and the crowded spaces. Pour courage upon them to be bold. To walk out the call You have upon their life every single day. Amen.
Luke 5:16 But he (Jesus) would withdraw to desolate places and pray. ESV
Matthew 9:35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. NKJV
Matthew 14:23 After sending them home, he (Jesus) went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. NLT
Mark 8:6 He (Jesus) told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. NIV
Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he (Jesus) departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. ESV
Luke 5:1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. NLT
I grew up in a home where my parents seldom invited people over. After moving away from home, that part changed for me. I wanted to be around people so I created opportunities for it. Even now my job is in my home where people come for classes and alterations. But now I also understand the balance and enjoy my days alone, especially my quiet times with my Lord. It was good to see the different times Jesus got away alone to pray. Sometimes early in the morning and sometimes after being with a crowd. Good example to follow.