“As long as we are lonely, we cannot be hospitable because as lonely people we cannot create free space. Our own need to still our inner cravings of loneliness makes us cling to others instead of creating space for them.” -Henri Nouwen (Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life)
by Pastor Donnie Brooks
Marcellus United Methodist Church
pastordonnieb@outlook.com
The theologian Augustine of Hippo, in his Confessions, talked of how “God gives where he finds empty hands” (as paraphrased by C.S. Lewis). Solitude opens us up by emptying us out of unhealthy immediacy of attachment and unruly need and dependence upon others, so that we can be attached and dependent upon others in healthy ways. We find contentment in ourselves and in God and thus can have the space to let others in. If we don’t create that space, that infinite space that comes through solitude and connection with God, we crowd people in and eventually crowd them out. We run out of air, we get too uncomfortable, we quarrel and we strive. If others stay with us, they are likely choked out in their imprisonment, rather than walking with us in fields of much room, much splendor, and towards the purposes of walking together with Christ. We walk with Christ and have room for all that might join us on this great journey with God.
It is hard on this journey from loneliness to solitude. It is not guaranteed and is not automatic. It is fought for, by us with help and only through Christ. An adventure with winding trails and difficult paths. But one we don’t do alone if we walk with Christ. And in walking with Christ, the journey becomes possible and all the more when people join us and support us along the way.
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