At first light, I seek solitude, curl up with my Bible—
in a corner of the sofa, pause
to pray, journal.
I must appear cozy, here in front of the fireplace,
apparently lounging. But my family
knows not to disturb me
(for anything).
There is a need for solitude
before solicitude.
Giving and Receiving. Or is it receiving and then giving out from that place we have received from? There are tangibles and intangibles we give to each other, and that we need from each other, and from the Lord. Often these times of intimacy occur deep in our souls in times of solitude, in time spent seeking the Father Heart of God our Maker and Sustainer. He is the one who ultimately fills us up. And we see this everywhere we look, in the most basic of human relationships mirrored. The child that receives from his or her father, gives, easily, naturally, even eagerly, back to others. Back to the world! Because they HAVE lots to give. And the Bible says this is how it’s meant to be; that earthly fathers give good gifts to their children, and so we can expect our heavenly Father to bless us, to fill us up, to expect good things to come from us, naturally flowing from a heart-life that is fill to overflowing.
Of course this does not always happen for us, there are ways we go about half-full on a daily basis. Everywhere you look, you meet someone in need of the father’s blessing, earthly love, refilling. And so it does us well to get alone with the Lord, our Heavenly Father. To be filled. To give out. To receive the blessing, and to bless. “Thy Kingdom Come,” we pray.