Solitude

California, 2018

“‘But people are never alone now’ said Mustapha Mond. ‘We make them hate solitude; and we arrange their lives so that it’s almost impossible for them ever to have it.’” – from Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

So many people have been forced to figure out how to be alone this past year. For those who have never liked being alone, those who crave companionship, those who hate solitude, it’s been hard. Indeed our lives are so often arranged: work, playdates, sports, meetings – it’s hard to find time for solitude. I wonder how many people figured out they liked a little time alone. How many took the time given them to slow down and just be in the moment.

I must confess I have much to work on here. It wasn’t the “pandemic” that forced me to be alone, but the loss of my husband. I fear I didn’t always make the best of my newfound solitude. It’s not easy. But if it was easy, I’d never learn and grow. If it was easy, I’d have to question why.

For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. – Ecclesiastes 4:10

Under the Surface of Life

“There’s a lot under the surface of life, everyone knows that. A lot of malice and dread and guilt, and so much loneliness, where you wouldn’t expect to find it, either.” – from Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

I lie awake, and am like a sparrow alone on the housetop. –  Psalm 102:7

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? – Matthew 6:26

Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Matthew 10:31