After being in the classroom all day I took a long walk this evening. It was beautiful! The mild temperatures made for an alluring walk through this picturesque German town. I loved seeing the German architecture and hearing the Church bells in the distance – it was an ideal setting. But what was most beneficial was the peace of mind and refreshment I experienced during my time of solitude. Solitude is having an audience with God.

I thought of the example of Jesus. Luke records, “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” I can see why Jesus would often slip away – He gained much refreshment by being with His heavenly Father.

I returned to my room and had this article waiting for me in my online reader: “Solitude and Leadership: If you want others to follow, learn to be alone with your thoughts”. Did you ever get the idea that God is sending you a message? The article was an address by William Deresiewicz that he gave to the plebes at West Point. Deresiewicz challenges his audience, “Unless you know who you are, how will you figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life?” He states, “Leadership means finding a new direction, not simply putting yourself at the front of the herd that’s heading toward the cliff.” He concludes by stating, “But it seems to me that solitude is the very essence of leadership. The position of the leader is ultimately an intensely solitary, even intensely lonely one. However many people you may consult, you are the one who has to make the hard decisions. And at such moments, all you really have is yourself.” If you want to see entire speech here’s the address: http://www.theamericanscholar.org/solitude-and-leadership/