Every once in a while, we all need some time to be alone or to be away from our spouses and family. Some people will totally disagree with me on this subject but I have personally treasured the times when I can come out of the normal home setting into my little cave for a while.
There are people who will say they would like to be with their spouse every moment, every minute of the day and every day of the year…till death do us part. Nothing can be further from the truth. I always like to think of my cave time as a sort of Sabbath or sabbatical from the usual activities typical of the home setting. So what happens when I get into my cave?
First of all, I make sure that before I get into the cave I have issues to deal with during the cave time. These may be personal issues regarding my own life, my marriage, my family or my work. There may be difficult situations that are demanding solutions or prayer and meditation. I am not saying that going into the cave will enable me to come out shouting Eureka! or anything of that sort.
On the contrary, sometimes I come out of the cave without a single solution to any of the problems that I will be facing. Still cave time enables me to quieten my spirit and begin to think more clearly. I have sometimes used this time for planning my life and my career and it has often worked very well. I have often come out of the cave full of ideas and raring to go.
For me, cave time is a time to search deep down into my mind and spirit and assess whether I am being the best that I can be. It is usually a time to evaluate my past actions and establish whether I could have done better. It is a time to review my relationships with all the people in my life, including my children. I most cases I ask myself what I should do to make relationships work more effectively and for the benefit of my loved ones.
Virginia tells me that as a woman, she has often treasured cave time so that she can meditate and spend quality time with God. She says that after going through a traumatic experience, she often likes to be alone and quiet and just thank God for seeing her through the tough period.
Recently, her brother was involved in a traffic accident where he nearly died, but God was merciful. Virginias cave time after this incident was about one afternoon all alone and driving to Marondera and back. She treasured the time because she was not disturbed by anyone or anything that whole afternoon.
She also had time to correctly appreciate what God had done to save her brothers life. Cave time does not have to be time for work each time. I have often used my cave time for resting and literally doing nothing. When I plan to do nothing I go right ahead and do it. NOTHING! Many people find it difficult to rest, and that is unfortunate. Resting enables me to work more efficiently whenever I am out of my cave.
By the way cave time can be experienced by going away to a secluded place all by yourself. It can also be enjoyed while you are at home with everybody. The only difference is that you speak much less than usual and you find moments that you will not be interacting with anybody. It is not a time of hostility; it is a time of slowing down and taking stock. The Bible says, Be still and know that I am God.
Post published in: Opinions