Tomorrow is one week since I've had my surgery. It's been quite the challenge to do nothing. I'm finding a theme woven throughout my circumstances the past couple of months. But before I share that, I thought I'd share my week in photos (I'm an excited, new instagram user).
This last picture leads me back to where I started. This reoccurring theme is one of separation and aloneness. I am a social person by nature and love to hang out with friends but the past few months I have found myself more and more alone. This week while recovering, the silence has been undeniable. I have been asking God why. Why am in this place? Why have my friendships seemed distant and my usual busy days been replaced with quiet? And today He answered. Today His voice thundered through the silence and rained grace.
And He said to them, " Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest awhile." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. ~Mark 6:31-32
So tonight begins the journey to understanding this place I'm in. I know there is purpose here. No matter how alone I feel, I know He is present. And I know He is speaking.
Have you ever found yourself in a season of loneliness?
Are you currently in a place contrary to or different from your "normal?"
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Linking today with my online community of sisters for Soli Deo Gloria.
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14 friends had this to say:
How lovely of the Lord to reveal His desire for you to rest ... I find the season of quiet/lonliness easier to bear, when I know God is in it.
I pray that soon that season will be over and you will have wonderful stories to tell of rest.
I'm so glad that your surgery went well and you are recovering.
I have to admit that the place you are in sounds inviting to me as I'm home with 3 kids all day every day 365 days a year and there really never is any silence or quiet except an hour or so before they get out of bed. LOL!
But I can see that over time that silence would wear on me as it has you. But you are finding the Lord there and I know that He will show you in His timing what he has in store for you there as well.
Now just be still and enjoy the silence.
Have a lovely day.
Kim
First... I love your pics... I know they say a picture is worth a thousand words-- but even as a writer, I still have to agree!
Thankful that you are on the road to recovery. You have been in my prayers!
Finally-- yes, I have been in a season in loneliness. I am a very social person as well, and a year ago we packed up and moved with the army over a thousand miles away from ANYONE we knew. I went from a community that I had built for six years to just me, the puppy, hubby and Jesus. (And the hubby was busy/gone a lot with his drill sgt duties.)
Fortunately, God (of course) did not abandon me. Instead, I was able to experience Him more fully than ever before.
Hang in there friend! :-) Blessings to you.
I spend most of my days alone and I enjoy and thrive on it. It would drive my husband crazy fast. How different God made us. And how our hearts are soothed regardless of our circumstances when God reveals His will. I hope your recoup time goes quickly.
I love being alone, in the quiet. No tv, radio just quiet thoughts.
I pray you recover well and allow this 'time of quiet' to heal many places in your heart and soul. Rest well, even Jesus took time to rest in the quiet.
Yep, I wrote about loneliness in my post for today actually. And that verse, I love it. I used it in a sunday link up a few weeks ago. So I am with you, right where you are . . except for the surgery part. Hope you feel better soon and find joy in the loudness of quiet.
I am so happy that your surgery recovery is going well. I must admit that I envy the fact you can go outside. You remember, I wasn't allowed to leave the apt (because of the 3 flights of steps for two weeks) after surgery.
I have also experienced what you discussed in your blog today.
You are brave to let your hubby take a pic of you while in pre-surgery room.
P.S. No cap for me :-) Yet, I had a gown with its own ac/heat system. Literally, had a hose hooked to it and I could adjust the temp to what I wanted. It was cool.
I hear Him so much better in the silence. I think we have to know how He wired us. I am an introvert so being alone renews/energizes me. If you are more extroverted, you need people around much more often. But I think the key is the balance. We can be alone but not lonely. good thoughts in your post today, glad your surgery went well and you are recovering. love the photos and the fun you bring even to a hospital stay.
Shelly,
my friend! I have been praying for you and thinking of you and will continue to do so!
I have been in a season of business AND loneliness all at the same time - taking care of my parents but feeling detached from the rest of the world in the process.
Good news...God is always at work and He has a plan for all of this.
Looking forward to you sharing what that plan turns out to be!
love you, girl!
Glenda..you are so right. His presence and grace carry the load for us. Thank you for visiting :)
Kim...Thank you! I will have my kids home after tomorrow when school gets out and I am looking forward to some summertime fun! xo
Sharita...Thanks! I love telling stories with words and pics, too :) And yes, I am so thankful He never abandons us.
Hi Pamela! So true. Our differences are what make us so unique. And I love how God usually pairs us with people who are opposite us :)
Sharon...I am learning to listen to the quiet, rest and recover. Thank you, friend :)
Shelly...I love this verse, too. Happy to be sharing the journey with you :)
Dawn...I had the heater thingee too! So cool (and warm! lol). Yes, luckily, I could go outside. I only have three steps :) Praying for your continued recovery.
Jean...yes, it is so much easier to hear Him when the distractions are removed. I am learning to embrace the silence and listen. Thanks for stopping by! :)
Kelli...thank you for the prayers, sweet friend. I, too, am sooo glad God's plans are good and He never leaves us. Praying for rest for you in this season and many blessings for your faithfulness to your parents. Love you girl xoxo
when i read the lives of the saints I am always impressed by their desire for silence and solitude...that is what i think of if I start to feel alone...
good luck with your recovery!!
Thanks for your encouragement, Annmarie! :)
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