Isn’t it ever curious that things that bring people together often occur or originate in solitude? Intercessory prayer may happen between one person and God. We write alone, read by ourselves, and listen to music individually. Yet books close the gap between people. A person may read a novel and experience another culture, or better, feel connected in a new way to the human race. There’s the image of a moody teenager listening to music in his room, whether it was by records or cassettes or CDs or now by the bud of the iPod.  There's something about the music that brings him through the dark or awkward periods of adolescence.

Countless people have pondered these questions before me, but they retain the same level of importance and wonder today. How is it that one can read the Bible in a quiet room as so many have done before? Or a group may hear the same passage read aloud. We participate in traditions without realizing it at times. And a generation takes shape through the same set of songs, though each person has slightly separate experiences or associations with those songs.

Solitary activities may cause one person to feel utterly alone while bringing others together.

It’s amazing that every person is unique, yet we make up a collective history, a shared body. Billions of little worlds existing within the larger one.

I have no revelatory statements for this topic, but every now and then reflecting on the mystery and awe of our world can reshape one’s perspective. I often forget to immerse myself in the inexplicable after my education taught me to question everything. In our age we sharpen our analytical skills but do little to engage in and embrace timeless wonders.

Words still hold the capacity for beauty and awe and rhythm and wisdom, but to notice those qualities we have to slow down, reread, look beyond simple information or functionality. And what about worship? No wonder so many of us don’t really understand what this means; we learn about God like we learn about health or auto mechanics. We approach faith through apologetics instead of mystery. Perhaps we can cultivate the ability to marvel at God and creation, especially as we analyze the intricacies.