Solitude

The other word that has taken a hold of me these last couple of months is Solitude. Actually my last entry on Solidarity what supposed to be combined with this one, but as I was writing the words kept coming and well, we had a full blog. (I must write how I talk which as my husband can attest, can be a bit "wordy"- whaaaat?!)

During the training for Run for the Border, I've been given this unexpected gift of Solitude. For someone who is well connected to life; her family, her schedule, her friends, activities, and social networking- this was one of the biggest surprises of committing to this run. One thing about running this length of miles is that while it takes a lot of time to run the 50 miles, it takes even more time to train for it.
I underestimated the amount of time this would take out of my normal routine. At first I fought that a bit- but now I've learned to enjoy the purposeful break out of my normal life.

It's there on the long stretch of road that I'm left alone with my thoughts, my feelings, my problems for hours. It's also the very place that God has always shown me things, imparted wisdom and ideas to me, talked to me, convicted me. There, I am disconnected from life; no interruptions, no laundry, no "To Do" list, no phone calls, and no errands.

Most of us have these quiet places, not necessarily for devotions but for just simple communication. For some of us it has just been a very long time since we have lingered there. Maybe this is the gentle nudge needed to make that a normal place. To get away so that you can hear again, so that He can refresh you, heal you, and restore you back. I love that Jesus modeled this himself many times in the New Testament as shown in Matthew 14:23.
I know some people who use their garage time, during gardening, time while doing dishes, when they are driving, and for years when the kids were younger my quiet place was folding laundry- super glamorous huh?

I think God is his goodness would've orchestrated this mini season of life just to have me get time away with Him. I know I've needed this time to process, to reflect, to align, to remove, to prepare me, and to pray for a lot of people. When you have two hours plus on the road at a time you can get a lot worked through. I used to joke that I could solve world peace when I was out on a good run, sometimes I think I came close.

The song that has been a theme for this run for me and as it gets shuffled through on my playlist has risen like a prayer;

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior


"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" Hillsong United