Season of Solitude

Wow… okay, so if any of you read this last night when I posted, I want to apologize. I was exhausted and did not prepare like I normally do, so I sound quite hostile. I’ve made a few changes, so please read again.  

Philippians 3:8  (NASB)

⁸ More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,

More often than not (and more than most are willing to talk about) single people face loneliness like no other. In my case, my family does not live close-by. Even if they did, I’m not sure it would change much. By this I mean that I would still have those bouts of loneliness as a single. This season of my life, a season of solitude, is tolerable only because of Jesus. My friends fill in some of the void of a face-to-face relationship, but they still don’t fill it completely. Sometimes though, they do make things worse because of the platitudes or the myths (the ones I discussed a few days ago) come from them. SO, my only real reliable source of comfort is Jesus. Some of you may ask, “how is that possible? He isn’t real.” Well, Jesus is real. More so than you can imagine. He may not physically walk the earth right now, but He is as real as real gets.

Elizabeth Elliot said, “loneliness is a required course for leadership.” Think about it this way. If God is preparing you for your place in this world and the impact you will make, He needs you to be able to rely completely on Him. You (I) have to be able to be confident without our friends and family and that confidence only comes from Christ.

Being alone really stinks. Especially when you know your friends have dates or plans for the weekend and you (I) don’t. Or if I can’t afford a sitter so I can go out. Or the lack of eligible (and tolerable) men available. LOL… yes, I said tolerable. Ever been around someone where something just doesn’t feel right? Or they are so far away from what you look for in even a friend? It is just awful to spend time with them, and you are constantly looking at your watch to see when it might be okay to say you have to go. I think tolerance can go so far. Difference of opinion should be respected, and it is okay to think differently from others. Honestly, I can’t imagine having a bunch of people who are all exactly the same. It would make for a very boring world. I went out with someone a few months back and cannot help but laugh now every time I think about it. I am a conservative, and he is very liberal. As soon as it was brought up (he started it, btw), he just shut down when he figured out how conservative I am. And he never called again. I think it is funny when people have different opinions and one person refuses to talk about it. To me, it shows a lack of maturity. Having different opinions and being able to discuss them reasonably makes for a better world. (Congress, get this picture? No? Didn’t think so).

I hope this season of solitude will remind me of who I am. That I do not need the approval, friendship or companionship of someone who will just make me miserable. The only approval I need comes from God. Be respectful of each other. Love each other. Treat others as you want to be treated. This behavior will serve you well when it is time for you to be married.