STRENGTH IN SOLITUDE - Jewell Utt
Christmas is upon us. A time to stop and savor every moment. Cherished family, faithful friends, good food and the gift of Christ.
For many people, December ends a year of fast paced activities, and Christmas Day becomes a time of stressful endurance. Although Christ was not actually born on December 25th, we choose to celebrate his birth on that day. But how much Christ do we really enjoy, when our month is spent planning for other things?
Rather than focus on a celebration for one day–with menus and gifts, guests and activities– why not concentrate on moments of solitude all month long? While planning is necessary and a loving part of your family need, it can’t compare to entering the day rested and revived for the upcoming year. Too much planning raises hopes and expectations for things you cannot control. Other people.
Don’t stress. Rest. Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Take a lesson from the Master, who in solitude, left the crowds and went up on the mountain to pray; and when it was evening, He was still there alone. (Mt. 11:29-30, 14:23) That’s a lot of time spent with God. As a result, serving the crowd was not stressful to Him. He served with love because of love.
Strength is found in solitude.
