The Need For Solitude

1 Thessalonians 4:11 – Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you. (NIV)

It was the second day of the summer season for the Polar Bear Express, running from Cochrane, Ontario, Canada, through the Arctic Watershed to Moosonee and Moose Island at the mouth of James Bay. A young man, a professional hockey player, was beginning his summer season on the train. His job was to make the passengers comfortable on the four-hour trip. On discovering that we were from the southern United States, he shared that he had been in Florida during the winter.

"Why," we asked him, "did you choose this job in the remote north?"

"It is quiet up here," he said. "I love the solitude, the quietness, being able to think clearly, and being close to nature. After a busy winter of action, noise, and competition, I enjoy coming up here, away from the rush."

I was inspired just talking to this young man. At an early age, he was acquiring wisdom. He was not withdrawing, only seeking creative and productive time out, to settle and heal, to commune and meditate, to find himself and his Creator. Isn't this what Jesus was seeking when He withdrew from the crowds?

James 3:13 – Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (NIV)

Noise has become a pollutant in our world. Sometimes we need to seek quiet places, and to find a clear channel to our Creator.

Prayer: Lord, help us to find balance and purpose in our lives. To find purpose, we need to stay tuned to Your transmitting station. Occasionally, we need to heed Your words, "Be still and know that I am God." Amen. (Psalm 46:10)