Solitude

I’ve been reading a book by Raymond M. Kethledge and Michael S. Erwin entitled, Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude. At first glance, this book seemed quite irrelevant. Who wants to read about solitude? Has this not been our expertise these past eight months of pandemic isolation? In fact, we could write a book that would probably offer more insight from our own experience especially since this book was published in 2017. We know solitude. Or do we?

The authors propose a definition of solitude that goes beyond the conventional understanding of separation or isolation. It can include this but is something more. It is simply focused thinking without distractions. And in this light, solitude vanishes especially in our pandemic isolation. Statistics reveal how internet usage has ramped up dramatically during our isolation. For example, video game use is up 75 percent. If anything our thinking has been diluted from information overload. Solitude has become quite foreign to us.

As ironic as it sounds perhaps we should consider solitude as we endure this pandemic season. And not just to unplug our smartphone and computer at times. But to plug into the Lord’s presence through His Word and prayer. The psalmist practiced solitude in the Lord’s presence. For example, in Psalm 119:147-148, “147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. 148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.” It is so easy for distraction to invade a focused mind. I pray that we will experience blessed times of solitude in His presence especially in this pandemic.