Solitary soaring - thoughts on prayer - 13 Mar 2006
"This morning held a few of those rare moments you savour in the bluster of life." Writes 24-7's Carla Trundle. "I had the morning off our Tranist training block to rest and clear my head so I bundled up in Charlotte's overgrown parker and meandered down to the river behind the Reading Boiler Room.
As I sat on a bench, watching the swans swooping with the river's current, I tipped my head back and enjoyed the warmth of the sun on my face. It's a good feeling, I haven't had the pleasure in a while. A few deep breaths later and I opened my journal and began to write. What a relief. My little window to peace was prised and wedged open and my head and heart noise spilled onto page after page in my scrawly, blue script.
It's been a while since I made a solid chunk of journaling time. The last month is comprised of hastily scribbled notes and memories stuck down with pritt stick. Writing my stream of consciousness to God was cathartic. An exhalation of worry, thoughts, thanks and prayers. Even a sudden burst of rain didn't stem my tide, as I decamped to the shelter of a childs climbing frame and huddled up against the wind.
I'm one of the most purely extroverted people I know but solitude is incredibly important to my piece of mind. I often think back to the 2003 Amsterdam Round Table, where Faith Forster shared with the international 24-7 community about prayer and the importance of solitude.
Looking at the vision of the four faced creatures in Ezekiel 1 she challenged us to assess the balance between our human and eagle face. The human face, a picture of our engagement with people and the eagle face, a challenge to retreat to solitary, soaring time with God. The faces, at the front and back of the creatures head, are looking in opposite directions, too much emphasis on one face would over balance the head, perfect harmony between the two brings stillness and strength.
Sitting in the rain, three years older, the tension between the two seemingly opposing sides of life is still a challenge. Being around people, going out and doing, has always been something I've loved. Through the last few years her words have come back to me again and again, an effective check on my time and priorities. I've developed my eagle face, finding time to stretch my wings and depart from the bustle of life more often. It's definitely been my strength and inspiration, though time alone is unlikely ever to be my overindulgence, it is amazing how quickly solitude with God has become almost addictive."
**To find our more about 24-7 Boiler Rooms and their exploration of rhythms of life visit www.boiler-rooms.com **To find out more about 24-7 Transit the 24-7 leadership training year Carla is currently on go to www.24-7prayer.com/training