SLIPPING AWAY

The house I grew up in had four escape hatches (doors).  Built in a "L" shape, the ranch style 50's era home was wrapped around a brick patio on the back.  Two doors exited onto the patio, one kitchen door off the carport, and a "Front Door" facing the street.  Effective means for disappearing when Momma decided it was time to work---and Momma like to see us all working most of the time.  The beauty of REALLY small town life is we lived in the middle of the woods back then.  Every tree provided a hide out as I slipped out the door to avoid manual labor.  Momma was a great "straw boss", but hiking over seven acres searching for her disappearing daughter was not in her bag of tricks.  She was more of the stand at the back door and holler persuasion.  A great deal of my childhood was spent slipping away, with a book in my hand or my trusty bike underneath.  I was off to enjoy the bliss of childhood-no worries-no cares--only what to do next to entertain myself--OUT OF MOMMA'S SIGHT!


All these years later, I still like to slip away.  Today there is no one standing at the door calling me, but I still enjoy time alone--to think, to ponder, to consider.  An introvert who loves the company of others, I still need time to recharge away from the crowds.  Without this time alone, I find myself becoming drained and not much good for anything.  My slip away place these days is my home.  My back yard is fenced and not in view of my neighbors.  I am able to withdraw inside my home, or on the patio and spend much needed time debriefing and regrouping.  Prayer, thinking, and contemplating are all accomplished much more effectively when I am alone--when I have slipped away.



We were given the example of the need to slip away by Jesus in The Word.  Even Jesus ~ the ultimate people person~felt the need to leave the crush, remove himself from the crowds, to seek solitude to spend time in conversation with His Father.  He did not stand in front of the great crowds and publicly broadcast his prayers, but instead slipped away to the intimacy of only The Father and Him.  

Take some time--slip away--and talk to and most important listen for The Father.  It is a learned habit which gets easier with practice.  If it was good enough for Jesus--perhaps we should give it a try.  Slip away today--be still--and know.


7 comments

  1. Good morning, LuLu, being still and quite is so needed in this big wide world today. Even retired I sometimes fine that still quite spot hard to fine. Thank you for reminding me of this much needed time along spent with our Lord and ourselves. 💖

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    1. I agree, Vannie! Who knew retirement would be so busy!
      Blessings, My Friend!

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  2. Solitude is sometimes a good thing. I learnt to accept solitude as a child. I remember playing with my parents and siblings Hide & Seek. I used to lean against a tree and count to 100 then search for them all over Europe.

    I used to come home after school and discover my parents had moved house without telling me.

    As a baby I was left on so many doorsteps I began to think I was a newspaper delivered by mistake.

    As I grew up my life was full of ups and downs; especially when I worked as an elevator assistant at the Department Store.

    Even now, solitude is a part of me. When I pray, God says to me: "Why don't you leave me alone for a while?"

    Seriously though, this is a brilliant post Lulu. Sorry if I am flippant. The weather here is awful, all grey and raining and cold and I am feeling a bit down. (Must get out of this stupid elevator!)

    God bless you.

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    1. Oh Victor, you keep me laughing!
      Blessings, My Friend!

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  3. You sound exactly like me, Lulu, when it comes to needing (sometimes desperately) to slip away. I do love other people, but if I don't have my alone time, all bets are off. As I read recently on a T-shirt I just might have to order: My alone time is for everyone's safety. LOL! Yes, think I'll do just that.
    Blessings!

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    1. Love it! I may need one too!
      Blessings, My Friend!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!