Going It Alone

Jesus said “...what is that to you? You follow ME!”
John 21:20-21 ESV

Sometimes we just need to go it alone.

I know...that's not a popular thing to say in the "church." And I get it because God has placed us into families and communities. He wants us to care for one another.

But stay with me here...there are times when we truly are alone .... and other times when we need to choose to be alone.

What made me start to think along these lines?

 A concert! Yes, a concert.

Last week, I was wanting to hear a lovely bluegrass group of musician-sisters, called Lafferty Pike. I love their voices, their harmony, and their instruments: 2 guitars, a banjo, and a mandolin. The group was performing again at my favorite coffee house, BellHOP Cafe in Bellbrook, Ohio. 

Since the NCAA Basketball Tournament games were in full swing, I decided to let my husband off the hook about going to the concert. Feeling fairly certain I could get a girlfriend or two to join me there, I sent out an email. I did get one taker, and so plans were made to meet up and enjoy the concert together.

But as circumstances would have it, my friend couldn't go. So after some deliberation, I decided to go alone.

And was I ever so glad that it turned out as it did. I enjoyed every song and every lyric.  The surprise "guest appearance" of the girls' mama on the bass was a real treat. And I was also able to chat for awhile with the leader of this darling group before I left at the end of the concert. I went home rejoicing!

So this got me thinking...remembering...appreciating alone times.

Like my first Precept weekend retreat, where I knew no one, but got to know many brothers and sisters in the course of the two and a half days away...people whom I would never have even talked to if I had had a friend along. 

Like silent retreats at the Dayton Vineyard Church, where three hours of silent, alone times were factored into the retreat schedule. Glory!

And I ask myself, did Jesus ever decide what He would do based on if He had someone with whom to do it or not? I don't think so. I think He always did what the Father brought His way. I thought of how He was surrounded by people day by day. But He was always trying to withdraw to be alone with His Father.

And of course that is the "crown" of going it alone...spending time alone with our Savior and Lord, day by day, moment by moment. I remember the time it really hit me that one day when my days on earth come to an end, I will meet my Jesus on my own, not with my husband, not with my children, but just ME...going it alone into eternity, and opening my eyes to my beloved Lord God. What joy! What focus!

So may I ask? How are you doing going it alone, dear friend?

Yes, of course, care for and enjoy those folks God gives you in your life. But are you open to the serendipitous times of delight God may be giving you...Yes...all alone! 

And especially, the alone times with the Lover of your Soul, the Lord Jesus Christ. Get familiar with the intimacy of that relationship right here and now. Then on that last day, it will just be a matter of faith giving way to sight...opening your eyes to the beauty of your God, face to face.

A Living Prayer

In this world I walk alone with no place to call my home
But there's One who holds my hand
The rugged road through barren lands
The way is dark, the road is steep
But He's become my eyes to see
The strength to climb, my griefs to bear
The Savior lives inside me there

In your love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to thee

In these trials of life I find
Another voice inside my mind
He comforts me and bids me live
Inside the love the Father gives

In your love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to thee
take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to thee

**This is the sweet song that Lafferty Pike sang the first time I heard them...LOVE!