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"As Christians, we are called to convert our loneliness into solitude. We are called to experience our aloneness not as a wound but as a gift--as God's gift--so that in our aloneness we might discover how deeply we are loved by God."
~ Henri Nouwen ~
When I was a child and teenager, I loved being by myself. I would choose to be alone reading over almost anything else. I had friends, my preference being a couple of good friends over a gaggle of girls, but often I would not want to call anyone to play. My mom worried about me a bit, but essentially allowed me to be me.
Even now, I enjoy my solitude. If given a choice between a night out with the girls and a night all to myself with no responsibilities, I'd probably choose being alone. Much of my most peaceful time with the Lord is spent just "being", without a lot of purposed activity to mar our relationship.
Henri Nouwen, in the compilation of writings on prayer, The Only Necessary Thing, contrasts the three concepts of aloneness, solitude, and loneliness. Aloneness, he says, is just a fact. It is the uniqueness God built into each one of us. There is no one like us in the world. We can either experience this aloneness as loneliness or solitude. If given the choice, we'd all choose solitude, I believe.
But sometimes I find that I am lonely. The kind of deep loneliness that can come even in the midst of a crowd. The kind of loneliness that tells me no one knows what I'm going through; or no one would care for me if they really knew me. These lies detract from our relationship with God and other people and come straight from that neverending well called pride.
"Loneliness is one of the greatest sources of suffering today. It is the disease of our time."
If I, a Christ-follower, one who loves and is loved by our Creator God, can be mired in loneliness, how much more can those who don't know Christ be fooled. How can we give others the message of saving grace if we ourselves take on our aloneness as a wound rather than something to transform into time spent with God?
It is precisely where we are most alone, most unique, most ourselves, that God is closest to us. That is where we experience God as the divine, loving Father, who knows us better than we know ourselves.
When I choose to believe that no one knows, no one understands, I render useless the sacrifice Jesus made. I tell Him that what He did for me didn't really matter. But when I look to Him for comfort, knowing that He suffered and was tempted in every way, I can see Him in others and feel the bond of brotherhood that He intended for His body.
Solitude is a wonderful thing. Loneliness can be a gift as well. I long to make them one and the same.
Wonderful thoughts...Over time (perhaps it's just old age!) solitude has become my sanity! In those intentional moments of solitude my soul is renewed, my spirit is quiet enough to hear the whisper of His voice.
There's a quote by Paul Tillich that captures a lot about solitude vs. loneliness.
"Language... has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone.
It's a journey...making them one and the same a process.
Thank you for these words.
At 8:12 AM, 
Tami Boesiger
"It is precisely where we are most alone, most unique, most ourselves, that God is closest to us. That is where we experience God as the divine, loving Father, who knows us better than we know ourselves."
AMEN!! I love your idea of making loneliness and solitude one and the same. Good idea. Thanks for hosting today.
"When I choose to believe that no one knows, no one understands, I render useless the sacrifice Jesus made. I tell Him that what He did for me didn't really matter."
In the season of solitude or loneliness, we look for validation. Thank you for explaining it further that we may "hear" what the Spirit is saying.
Heavenly Voice
Lovely thoughts, Christine! This spoke to me in particular: When I was a child and teenager, I loved being by myself. I would choose to be alone reading over almost anything else. The older I get, the more I prefer the company of books! There is something deeply satisfying about solitude. Hugs, e-Mom
Your words are amazing and timely for me. I cannot tell you how much they say what is on my heart. I especially liked the quote:
"It is precisely where we are most alone, most unique, most ourselves, that God is closest to us. That is where we experience God as the divine, loving Father, who knows us better than we know ourselves."
Thank you for sharing your heart.
Jewelz
Enjoyed your post...I always do! You are gifted indeed!