Solitude
Our leaders group have been discussing a Henri Nouwen article on Solitude. He talks of solitude being the starting point, before community and before ministry. In solitude we learn that we are beloved and therefore don't spend our time in community seeking that affirmation from those around us. We don't try to meet legitimate needs by illegitimate means.

This got me thinking about how much of my time I spend concerned about what others think of me. How much of my interaction with others is focussed on manipulating the image they have of me. Why do I worry so much about this image they have of me?

This is something I'm going to have to continue pondering and praying through.