Distracted II
One day I decided to take a personal retreat. I trekked out to the Espresso on Duncan with my Bible and Laptop to do some Bible reading, studying, journaling, sermon listening, and praying. It was a day to get away and spend some time in thought and meditation. These days, it’s hard to find time to get away and do this. I take that back. These days, it’s hard to make time to get away and do this. It’s hard to detach myself from the digital world. It’s hard to leave the world and practice the art of solitude.
Dr. Albert Mohler reminded me of this with his recent blog post about silence. We’ve lost the art of solitude. One evidence of this is our prayer meetings. Now they play music during our Thursday night prayer meetings and our Servants’ Meeting. Have we lost the ability to stay awake and focus in silence? One of my favorite times of the day now is when I’m left alone in TCBC when I stay a few extra minutes after everyone leaves. The sun illuminates the sanctuary through tinted windows. The sounds of birds and insects can be heard accompanied by the rustle of traffic. It’s these times that I can sit in the sanctuary of God and stare at the cross in silent meditation.
I think the art of solitude is becoming a lost discipline. Jesus would regularly get away from the crowd and spend time with his Father. We need to learn how to do the same. It’s hard to become unplugged. We’re always connected to people via internet, phone, or text. It takes deliberate intention to turn things off and not log on. This summer I’ll be making some intentional decisions to unplug myself and practice the art of solitude. I need some good God and me time.