Hiding

When I was a young girl I loved to sit quietly in our Cottonwood tree and watch the other kids play, read a book that ignited my imagination, or examine the leaves or "fairy pillow" cotton pods surrounding me. I still like to hide. But I no longer have a tree branch to sit on or even a room that I can get comfy and listen to music, read, draw, or just ponder.

There are times when I need to be alone, really alone. No people to watch (even on TV) or for them to watch me. So I hide. I close my self into a shell and try to make myself invisible. Don't get me wrong, I love people. I do want to enjoy conversations. I do delight in gatherings of our family and friends. I was made an introvert and that requires me to fill myself up in alone time before spending myself on others.

If I do the alone time well, people often think of me as an extrovert because I can be outgoing, personable, even fun! But when I am depleted I hide back into a silent mood, and can even be distracted from what is going on around me. OH, sometimes I think it would be easier to be an extrovert and gain my energy from being with groups of people. God had a different plan.

God made me to enjoy hiding because He made Himself my best hiding place. In Psalm 32:7 a David says that God is his hiding place. In God's hiding place I find peace, a filling of His presence, and protection from the noise of the world that drains my soul.

How about you? Do you have a hiding place? Can you find a secret place in your heart where you meet with God and ponder His ways? I hope so.