Solitude would best be defined as refraining from interacting with other people to be alone – especially to be alone with G-d. One must assume that Solitude is completed by silence – but I do not believe that this always has to be the case. The obvious way to find solitude would be to find a remote place where one can commune with nature and with G-d. I was listening to a story on the radio the other day, and they were talking to people about the places they go to find solitude. Some go hiking in remote areas or go for walks in the woods. Others go to more extreme conditions like trying to row a boat across the Atlantic Ocean or walk on skis to the North Pole and back.

How do you find solitude in your life?

I can find solitude by simply going to a local coffee shop and taking time to write (though this has been very challenging during the pandemic). I can also sit in my “man cave” or office at home and find solitude. And this to me is solitude – I do not have to answer my phone if I choose not to – I do not have to talk to anyone if I choose not to. For me, solitude does not mean remoteness or complete silence – for me solitude means time alone no matter where that might be. The point of solitude is how you use that time.

We all need to find some solitude in our lives – and to use that time for quiet and reflection. Therefore, we need to do what we can to have time alone with G-d.

Pastor Dave