tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113236792814950590.post6565768877968830015..comments2008-06-06T09:19:52.758-05:00Ben Connellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02654394273936128664noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113236792814950590.post-70066852578015707492008-06-06T09:19:00.000-05:002008-06-06T09:19:00.000-05:00VERY interesting collection of thoughts! I think you're almost exactly dead-on - I think being alone (but in the presence of God), is healthfulness: a time for growth, learning, healing - a building up of ourselves and our spirit-man. Some of my greatest times as a Christian have been when I set aside a night to sit alone in my apartment and hang out with God. <BR/><BR/>HowEVER: some of the "loneliest" times in my Christian walk have been during the dark times of sin (sin separates us from God - "If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable" (Proverbs 28:9): OR if I'm deliberately going "through the motions" of Christianity and forsaking the fellowship with my Creator. <BR/><BR/>I absolutely think you've hit the nail on the head with this topic: AND you've inspired me to dig up all the scripture that God has given me lately on this very issue to expound on it on my own blog!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the thought-provoking musings! ;o)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07645173133565192118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113236792814950590.post-43955366622648509042008-06-03T23:45:00.000-05:002008-06-03T23:45:00.000-05:00I joke about my "loner tendencies," but really, I enjoy being alone. That's not to say that I don't enjoy being busy, or being surrounded by friends (because obviously I like that!), but I think it's equally healthy to be okay with doing your own thing and appreciating the quiet. I've found that I can pass a LOT of time doing what might appear to be nothing. This past semester, I spent a lot more time alone than I ever had before and I was surprised to realize how much I could appreciate it, or even silence. Apparently, I smile a lot even if no one is around... maybe having time to think encourages me to be more thankful and attribute the goodness to God. You mentioned that we shouldn't really ever be "lonely," considering that we always have God with us, and I agree, though it's also clear that we get distracted sometimes. I think "loneliness" and "being alone" are entirely different concepts; the tricky part is transferring that "lonely" feeling into a contentment with "being alone." (Note: this is not an eloquent explanation of my thoughts, but I wanted to at least sketch them out a bit since you asked for responses.) (Note #2: I've never looked at your blog before, but I like it, O Wise One!)Saranoreply@blogger.com