If there is a time to embrace,
what about a time to refrain from embracing?
The image is one of contrast:
being together with other people, and being alone.
Sometimes refraining from an embrace could be a
situation where it isn't appropriate or practical. Sitting in a
classroom, or the office, would usually result in people staring at you
it you hugged someone. Embracing while driving a car is just a
bad idea, it's impractical.
What about when "to refrain
from embracing" does mean to be alone? Is it ever good to be alone?
Yes. Solitude can be a time to
reflect. To regroup. To work through processes in your mind. To
meditate on the awesome power and love of God. To pray. Solitude can
add necessay balance to the rest of your life.
Jesus understood this need for
a time, to refrain from embracing. "Very early in the morning,
while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to
a solitary place, where he prayed." ~ Mark 1:35
NIV ~
It is good to seek out and
find times to embrace, and times to refrain from embracing.
