The Gift of Aloneness

In Rev. Hale's essay below, she gives us her take on this worrying topic. (At least for us singles). I'm working on my take/response to her point-of-view and my opening begins:

Aloneness: A Gift?

Does it come with a gift tag?

Okay people talk to me...my take will be posted in a week.

Peace,
Dee

The Gift of Aloneness

"You are single, but you aren't sure you want to be. You have read or heard the Word as recorded in Genesis 2:18, where God said, "It is not good that the man [or woman] should be alone." But the reality is, you are alone.

As singles, we struggle with being alone. Some of us hate being alone, going out, coming home, and eating alone. We can't stand being alone. But while we may be alone, we don't have to be lonely. Loneliness is an attitude; it is a state of mind. We can be lonely even in a crowd. Loneliness is decision; we can choose to be lonely or not.

When we are lonely, it may mean that we have not yet learned to enjoy our own company. We have not yet realized the gift of aloneness.

Everyone needs time to be alone. Aloneness is an investment. It is time to recharge one's emotional and spiritual batteries; a time to think and pray; a time to gain insight or find a solution to a pressing problem; rest after a battle or a long day; time to find grace to deal with life and all of its challenges; and time to hear from God.

Jesus took full advantage of His singleness and moments of aloneness or solitude.

Mark 1:35 says, "In the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."

It is when we are alone and still that God can speak to us most profoundly. Did He not tell the psalmist as recorded in psalm 46.10. "Be still, and know that I am God"? We all need moments of aloneness to hear from God, reflect, meditate, and recreate."
Read Genesis 2:18, see also Mark 1:35; Psalm 46:10

-C. Hale
Women of Color Study Bible