June 29: Insight Post by Kim Feld
Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld
We have covered a lot of ground this month, looking at solitude as a spiritual practice. I hope you have at least dipped your toe in the water and given it a try. Just like anything else in life that’s important, we need to find a way to incorporate it consistently in order to see growth.
I remember as a young mom and then as a homeschooling mom, feeling like I never had a moment alone. During those days, I had to be creative about finding the time with God that I desperately needed. Some days it meant I needed to get up before anyone else or stay up later after they were in bed. Through all the seasons of my life, I have learned that there is always something to fill my time if I’m not proactive about setting my priorities.
When we look at scripture about Jesus’ times of solitude, we see Him withdrawing early in the morning or even late at night to spend time with God. I believe what we see of Jesus’ life shows a regular rhythm of connecting with God but also prioritizing time when He had big decisions to make and needed guidance. Scheduling can be an important tool, but flexibility shouldn’t be overlooked. I can be “all or nothing” in how I approach things, and if I have missed my scheduled time, I feel like I have to wait until the next day to try to “get it right.” God is working on me to see that a few minutes alone with Him in the evening can be just as beneficial as a few minutes first thing in the morning. It’s the consistent connection that matters.
When I think about connecting with my son, I am thrilled to hear his voice and spend time with him, no matter what time of day or night it is. Our God is the perfect parent, and I believe the same is true of Him; He’s always ready to hear from us. God wants to be our safe place, where we can take a deep breath, pour out our hearts, and just be.
Solitude is the place where I can bring my flawed self and just be. I don’t have to bring a list of things to God. I can just listen. One of my favorite places to do this is sitting on the beach looking at the vastness of the ocean. I am in awe of the beauty and power of God’s creation and often feel that my words are inadequate in those moments. Solitude combined with awe-inspired wonder is priceless. Since I unfortunately don’t live at the beach, I have collected seashells over the years. Just looking at them can take my mind’s eye there.
Taking a few minutes to watch a sunrise or sunset alone with God can provide a moment of solitude and connection. If we are intentional and consistent, we will find more and more of those moments to take advantage of.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org