"The discipline of solitude allows us gradually to come in touch with this hopeful presence of God in our lives, and allows us also to taste even now the beginnings of the joy and peace which belong to the new heaven and the new earth."

-Henri J. M. Nouwen

We were asked to arrive an hour early before a sunday service and spend that time in solitude- preparing our hearts for the service and praying over the people who would attend, the message, etc. This is a discipline that I am almost intimidated by: being that I am a character of movement and untamed brainstorms. In all honesty, I didn't quite make it an hour. But, within that time of solitude- I was able to give up of own selfish expectations within the service and more fully rejoice in presence of the Lord and was more anxious for his kingdom's growth.

I have only tasted a small bit of real solitude and would even be sure in saying that I am a baby in the context that Henri Nouwen defines it.

Father, take me by the mind-brain and have your way. May the my presence of my immediate needs and desire fade in the vision of you.