All human beings are alone. No
other person will completely feel like we do, think like we do, act like we do.
Each of us is unique, and our aloneness is the other side of our uniqueness. The
question is whether we let our aloneness become loneliness or whether we allow
it to lead us into solitude. Loneliness is painful; solitude is peaceful.
Loneliness makes us cling to others in desperation; solitude allows us to
respect others in their uniqueness and create community.
Letting our aloneness grow into
solitude and not into loneliness is a lifelong struggle. It requires conscious
choices about whom to be with, what to study, how to pray, and when to ask for
counsel. But wise choices will help us to find the solitude where our hearts can
grow in love.
-- Henri Nouwen
Lord, help us to seek peaceful solitude with you, lest we settle for painful loneliness on our own.
Grateful
