“Solitude greeting solitude, that’s what community is all about. Community is not the place where we are no longer alone but the place where we respect, protect, and reverently greet one another’s aloneness. When we allow our aloneness to lead us into solitude, our solitude will enable us to rejoice in the solitude of others. Our solitude roots us in our own hearts. Instead of making us yearn for company that will offer us immediate satisfaction, solitude makes us claim our center and empowers us to call others to claim theirs. Our various solitudes are like strong, straight pillars that hold up the roof of our communal house. Thus, solitude always strengthens community.” – Henri Nouwen
This idea of community is very different that what my perception has been. There’s a part of me that hates to be alone. I love to be with people because then I don’t have to be by myself. But this can lead to trying to find my fulfillment in people and not looking to my source – God. And I see people in my community that seem to be a constant ‘drain’ on people and it is precisely because they are trying to have their needs met by people and not by God. I don’t want to be like that. I want to learn how to allow my aloneness to lead me into solitude, so that my strength is found in Him.