Joy Lenton is my guest today for Treasure the Quiet Moments.

Joy lives in the United Kingdom so you’ll notice the different spelling of the word, Savour. It makes me think of the Savior and savoring all He has done for us. He came to dwell among us. During Advent, we take time to ponder it all.

Joy’s words spoke to me and I hope they resonate with you as well…

Savouring Solitude

I’m home alone, strangely unsettled by my noisy inner monologue.

The house speaks, creaking in sympathy.

I decline to turn on sound. This is an intended period of solitude to savour.

This is a pause in proceedings before Christmas busyness begins.

And I’m already discovering how vulnerable I feel when the one who usually busies himself taking care of me, the house and home is gone for a while.

Yes, there are microwaveable meals in the freezer and a well-stocked fridge, but physical support is notably absent.

Although practical help is available should I need it, I’m seeking to spend these days as space for moments of undisturbed connection with God.

There are far too many voices speaking into my days and they can be a distraction in sensing God’s presence or hearing from Him.

Here in the quiet, I become increasingly aware of my dependence.

Not just the emotional and physical one because my husband normally takes care of tasks I’m too unwell to do, but also the dependence I have developed on hearing other voices, participating in worldly noise.

So I begin by burying myself in my laptop, a safe, familiar place, as you do.

Excusing myself by doing some necessary on-line Christmas shopping – just to get ahead, you understand.

Then I stay connected because I have commitments and comments to answer. It would be rude not to, wouldn’t it?

By the third day there’s a resurrection of sorts as I sense a new calm coming over me and an increased ability to stay present in prayer.

Inner chatter persists, as does the call and clamour of life, but I am able to resist it for now.

Because, like Mary, I have found the better thing is to sit at Jesus’ feet, to spend time there without noticing its passing.

To pray in silence, sit and savour the peace Jesus gives us whenever we pause long enough to receive it.

To meet with God in the everyday as He wants us to, sense His loving hand guiding the hours.

Yes, I’m still struggling with M.E, chronic illness and pain, unable to fully participate in external things, weak and weary most days and wondering just how to do Christmas this year as any other.

However, this brief time alone has shown me that God is ever-present with the lonely, the housebound, those missing loved ones, all who grieve, the sick and suffering.

Advent is about anticipating His arrival, celebrating the wonder of Emmanuel come to earth.

It’s about awe and gratitude for God being with us today.

So this year, I plan to pursue a period of inner stillness during Advent and rest more in God’s provision and grace for the days ahead.

Maybe you could consider it too?

What are some ways you can practice solitude?

 

Joy is a grateful grace dweller who finds community among the weak and the broken, the edge-dwellers and truth-tellers. She enjoys having fellowship with poets, writers, and contemplatives as she seeks after God’s heart.

You can find her raking for beauty out of ashes at poetryjoy.com and wordsofjoy.me where she writes to encourage others on their journey of life and faith.

She would love to connect with you on her blogs, or on Twitter, Facebook or Google +

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You may enjoy Christmas Solitude – Beautiful Piano Instrumentals: