Coming off an emotionally and spiritually taxing week in Utah, followed by a long weekend and then a busy week, I was worn out. I was so tired, both physically and emotionally, that I think I could’ve passed out for a couple of days.
Though I was praying for rest, I was still afraid that Spiritual Rhythms would be just another thing I’d learn a lot from but that would take a lot out of me, and that I’d come back to campus that Thursday even more tired than before. But as we got there and settled in, I felt a sense of calm and ease I hadn’t felt in quite a while.
On the second day, we learned about solitude and had a six-hour block, from morning into afternoon, where we were by ourselves, seeking time with the Lord and learning from Him. Going into this time, I had a lot of things I felt I needed or wanted to get done, such as meditating on a portion of Scripture or memorizing it, but mostly because they were the suggestions and I wanted it to be a “productive time.”
But the Lord ended up answering my prayers through the gift of physical rest.
Throughout the hours by myself, I was able to sleep for a while and simply enjoy the gift of His creation as I watched squirrels jump from tree to tree and sat in the green of nature all around me. I also tend to distract myself from my thoughts by being with people, and this time allowed me to sit and pray about what was going on in my life and to lift my desires and thanksgiving to the God who gives good gifts.
Solitude is something I want to implement in my own life as a weekly practice. I got to experience God’s love for me in a way I hadn’t before and to be with Him without distraction, and I think it will be a helpful practice for drawing near to God. It was a gift to be able to slow down and be in fellowship with my Father and Friend, who loves me and knows exactly what I need!
Havah Viars, Class of 2027
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