Choosing Absence

“But he withdrew himself in the deserts and prayed.” Luke 5:16 ERV

“Choose your absence so that your presence will have more impact.” — Emily P. Freeman

Sometimes I withdraw to breathe. Sometimes I withdraw to cry. Sometimes I withdraw to play! Sometimes I withdraw to meditate and pray. These are healthy and growth-enhancing times—not isolation. It’s a positive choice. I can tell because when I rejoin life, I participate in life more fully. I have more to give. I don’t compare myself with others. I have spiritual, emotional and physical energy. That’s presence.

Isolation is not life-enhancing. Isolation is not living fully. It’s a compulsion. When with others, the presence is like Eeyore, the depressed donkey of Winnie-the-Pooh fame. It’s a thundercloud and blocks the sun. Our light goes out.

What are some of the things we need to withdraw from?

Obviously, an addiction. Toxic people. Social media. Take a break from the news. Most of all, that nagging, parental voice in your head that always condemns. That’s not our Father.

When we withdraw and place our focus on our Father, word, prayer, creativity, and even play, we are filled. I love a quote: “Even prophets and saints need a distraction.”  Ecclesiastes says, “And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.”

Do we strive too much, or work too much? Do we forget to enjoy our family meal? A board game with the family? Many I know, and I’ve done the same, work harder at going on vacation than at their career! There’s nothing wrong, in fact, it’s good, to withdraw and enjoy our families. Play. Humor. Game night. Movie Night. Book club?

And then we develop a presence that nourishes others and ourselves.

Musings

We all, even Jesus, need time alone to reflect, pray and play. We are not “human doings!” Our world reaffirms that we must do more, be more, and try harder when what we need is to withdraw for a time. Count our blessings one by one, as the song says. Meditate on all our Father has done and is doing in our lives. Enjoy to the maximum the gifts we have from our Father. Sometimes being happy with what we have is an excellent expression of gratefulness. I know when I give a gift and the receiver is tickled, that’s the best thanks ever! So is our Father.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for all the gifts you give us. They’re too numerous to name!  There’s nature, your Son, others in our lives, our careers, our homes, and a time to play and laugh. Remind us we are children–Your children. Absence is a time to be with you, relish you and enjoy the gifts you’ve given us.  As the Psalm says, “You restore our souls.”

Amen.