Solitude & Journaling

Solitude is very rare in my house. Once upon a time not too long ago, my daily shower was perfect for solitude, meditation, prayer & intimate conversations with the Creator. That time has now been invaded by the sound of angry toddler beating on the door, begging to get in, even though he took a bath 30 minutes ago. Often, late night scripture reading is broken by the oldest child wanting water or the middle child trying to coerce us into letting her sleep anywhere but her own bed. Not that I hold it against the children. I love the very much and appreciate the short amount of years I have with them. And to be honest with myself, I probably sound the same to Father God, barging in on a conversation with a prayer that started without silent contemplation or seeking His presence, but rather dove right into whatever ailed me at the time.

Yet that doesn't stop me from pursuing the precious gem. Henri Nouwen once said in his book on solitude, that "The secret of Jesus' ministry is hidden in solitude." and I think its true. We find in the scriptures that Christ sought a place free of distractions when it came to his conversation time with the Father. His desire wasn't born out of annoyance with others, but out of deep affection for His father. So deep that every conversation was as important to Him as two people deep in conversation and love. So deep that the world seems to fade as if the other person is the only one there and you simply want to be alone with them. You are drawn into their presence, the sound of their voice, the gentle nuances that make your relationship with them so special. Even if it is just a close friend and not a spouse, you still desire those quiet moments you share.

So in my house, I have to pursue solitude in other forms and I think I found one that suits me. Back in the 6th grade, my teacher gave us the assignment of writing a daily journal. For some it was probably torture, but for me it was pure delight. I loved journaling and I kept it up until the start of my blogging days. I allowed by blog to take the place of my journal because I could carry a conversation on with people like you. I still enjoy that aspect of it, but at some point there are just things about me that I am not willing to share with the general public. Furthermore, it is a lot more difficult to focus on a conversation with God in a public forum. So I picked up the pen the other night and started writing, filling page after page, when I realized I was lost in solitude. Lost in quietness, drawn in as the ink splashed on the page.

So reader, what creative ways have you found solitude?