There were days when Jesus fell into his bed or onto his recliner.

I still have to work at the concept of the Son of God being fully human. He is fully human, so he drains with exhaustion.

As a task-oriented guy—wired to accomplish—I am familiar with the low fuel syndrome. I know what it is like to reach the state of exhaustion. At that point I too fall into bed or drop into my recliner without hope of ever rising again.

I am slow to learn my gas mileage is not good when I’m running on my own fuel. Solitary places should be high on my radar. They appear far too infrequently on my screen.  Why is it so difficult in the rush of the 21^st century to seek places of solitude?

It is easy to overlook His fueling strategy. Multiple times in the Gospels, Jesus visits solitary places to be alone with the Creator. It is as if there was a magnetic pull to converse with God. Everything about those visits appears natural and at ease.

The magnetic pull was mutual. God stood on call ready to meet with His Son in a solitary place. Wouldn’t we love to discover a recording of their conversations? Would Jesus have rehearsed the challenges of being human? Would they have reminded each other of what living as a man for a time meant for the restoration of humankind to God? Perhaps they found satisfaction in just “being in the moment” of their joint presence.

Whatever the outcome, the solitary place was important to the chemistry. Scripture indicates Jesus left refueled.

Often on a trip to South America, I find a solitary place in an impressive cathedral. They are always open. Their size and architecture provide a grand atmosphere for God reflection. Oceans, mountains, and streams have the same pull.

A lack of solitary places is not the problem.  At home, we have closets, rooms, and outside space. There are parks and sidewalks within short distance. A booth in a coffee shop offers a productive locale to write and read. Why would I not use a coffee shop booth for an encounter with God?  Solitary space is readily available in our urban world.

My problem is not space—it is lack of desire. My problem is not space—it is wrong priorities. My problem is not space—it is my side of the relationship needing growth. I am not looking for a guilt trip.

My desire is for a sharper and greater focus on reality. Reality will draw me to spend time with God. The more I contemplate reality the more I will seek a solitary place to encounter His presence.

What helps you remember when and where you must focus to refuel? What are some of your own suggestions for Solitary places that work for you?

Stay tuned. – Gary J. Sorrells