“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. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Mark 1:35-37

I’ve probably read this verse or heard this verse hundreds of times. I’ve noticed and heard the “early morning, while it was still dark” part. I usually freeze after that though. Small confession: i haven’t done the early morning thing very often. Oh, I pray every morning. It’s typically something like, “Dear Lord please make this alarm clock shut up!”

But what if the “early” part isn’t the most important part? I think what comes next is the most challenging part. Solitary. Being alone is the challenge. Being alone to the point of “Everyone is looking for you.” We all have people that depend on us. We all have busy schedules. We all have responsibilities. We all have multiple devices that keep us connected. Do you ever have people say, “Everyone is looking for you.”? Are you ever completely disconnected?

It’s OK to be disconnected. We don’t have to be available all the time. Even Jesus disconnected from the people. If that means hiding, then so be it. If that means turning off all devices, then so be it. Take solitary time to connect with God.