Lonliness vs. Solitude

So today I was working on an assignment for a Christian class. The purpose was to write 5 "goals" for my spiritual life on certain topics from the book "Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth" by Richard J. Foster. Well one of the disciplines I chose was "solitude".

"Solitude is more of a state of mind and heart than it is a place. There is a solitude of the heart that can be maintained at all times. Crowds, or the lack of them, have little to do with this inward attentiveness. It is quite possible to be a desert hermit and never experience solitude. But if we possess inward solitude we do not fear being along, for we know that we are not alone. Neither do we fear others, for they do not control us. In the midst of noise and confusion we are settled into a deep inner silence. Whether alone or among peope, we always carry with us a portable sanctuary of the heart." -Excerpt "Celebration of Discipline" Chapter 7. The Discipline of Solitude pg. 96-97

Solitude is not loneliness. Loneliness is to long for something you are without while solitude is quiet time, like nap time in Kindergarten. It is a time of rest and rejuvenation. Solitude is the quiet alone time with God, the time where you bask in his love and let his Peace take over.

Today a girl on my floor had her facebook status as "Loneliness is not good...." she was not just stating this but was expressing her feelings. I found it interesting that I was just reading on this. Here is my response:

Loneliness is not good, but with Christ it is transformed to solitude; and solitude is good for the soul. To break away from the constraints of society and take a break, to be quiet, silent and bask in the love of God. That is what we should do... so do not dwell on the things that make you lonely, but ponder on the thoughts, majesty and splendid beauty of God.

So today when you are lonely do not think upon such things, but think upon the beauty of the Creator. The one who made you to fill the gap in your life and make you whole so you will never have the reason to fill empty and lonely.

Luke 5:16 "Jesus often went into the lonely places to fast and pray."

Carollela <3