As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind…

Mark 4:35-36

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.

Mark 6:30-32

Solitude. Not only did Jesus spend time alone, he taught the disciples to do the same. One of the most difficult disciplines for me to develop is spending time alone without feeling guilty. I fret about all kinds of things. Am I missing something? What if someone needs me? What if someone doesn’t like that I’m alone? Will my approval ratings drop if I am not immediately available?

Clearly these are not healthy thoughts. But it’s equally clear that time alone is healthy.

I am most successful spending time alone when I silence all the voices inside that would want me to do otherwise. And it is in the alone, the silence that I am refreshed and renewed.

Why don’t you give it a try?