Alone Time

Scripture – Mark 3:7-12: ⁷Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. ⁸When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. ⁹Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. ¹⁰For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. ¹¹Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” ¹²But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was.

Reflection: It looks like it was getting harder and harder for Jesus to have any alone time. Here He tried to withdraw with His disciples, but a large crowd followed. It looks like His last refuge was to get into a small boat.

Personally, this would be a nightmare. I’m not much of a “crowd” person. Time spent in the midst of large groups is draining to me. It’s not that it’s a bad time. I usually enjoy myself. It’s just that I need some alone time to be recharged.

Lord, you have called me to serve in the midst of people, and I thank you for that. At the same time, you have shown by your example that getting away is also okay – even necessary. Please show me the personal line to walk. Keep me charged and refreshed – ready to serve you in whatever setting you choose.