Solitary Refinement

Bernard Walton: Okay, Eugene. I've finished the windows in the little theater, so tell the kids to keep their greasy little fingers out of there for a while. Now, I need to go back to the office and get some more supplies. Eugene, are you listening to me?
Eugene Meltsner: Of course I am. To do otherwise would be impolite, would it not? So, what are we talking about?
Bernard Walton: Figures. What are these brochures? Are you planning another vacation already?
Eugene Meltsner: Not at all. I am perusing sites of isolation where I might explore disciplines for the inner spiritual life.
Bernard Walton: As soon as I asked, I knew it was a mistake. Do you want to break that sentence down and translate it for me?
Eugene Meltsner: Recent events have brought to light my overall immaturity as a Christian, not to mention as a person. And I hope to help remedy my rather stilted spiritual growth by immersing myself into the disciplines maintained by our Christian forefathers, to borrow the expression.
Bernard Walton: Okay, now we're getting somewhere. What discipline are you talking about? Getting sent to your room without supper, what?
Eugene Meltsner: Not discipline, Mr. Walton. Disciplines. It comes from the same root word as disciple or learner. Disciplines, then, are the means by which we learn. In the case of Christian faith, they're the things we do to be better learners or followers of Jesus Christ.
Bernard Walton: I get it. You're talking about the basic stuff: reading your Bible, praying, going to church, stuff like that.
Eugene Meltsner: Precisely. But there's an entirely different realm of discipline which most contemporary believers don't practice.
Bernard Walton: You better give me some examples.
Eugene Meltsner: Very well. Fasting, mutual confession, the practice of silence, submitting to spiritual direction, solitude, to name a few. I'm currently considering the benefits of solitude, which is why I'm looking over these brochures. I want to embark on a spiritual retreat to learn more about the discipline of solitude.
Bernard Walton: Eugene, anytime you start talking like this, I get a little nervous. Exactly what kind of retreat do you mean?
Eugene Meltsner: Well, to be honest, Mr. Walton, I'm thinking of joining a monastery.
Wyatt: That's Ben Franklin, Sophie! Wyatt, that's Ben Franklin!
Sophie: I know! But why were they fighting?
Wyatt: Mr. Franklin, would you like to tell her?
Guest (Male): They were fighting over the letters I sent. Because of those letters, there are riots across half of Massachusetts. Little known American history is revealed. Now in the Adventures in Odyssey Club.
Bernard Walton: A monastery? You want to become a monk?
Eugene Meltsner: Not all who go to monasteries become monks, Mr. Walton. However, anything is possible.
Bernard Walton: Brother, I knew it. It's because of Katrina, isn't it?
Eugene Meltsner: I beg your pardon? What could you possibly know about Katrina?
Bernard Walton: Come on, Eugene. I've seen how you've been moping around here since you got back from your trip. I don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure out that things went wrong with you two. If things were right, you wouldn't stop talking about her.
Eugene Meltsner: What exactly are you trying to say, Mr. Walton?
Bernard Walton: I'm saying that you shouldn't go making big decisions like joining a monastery while you're in a muddled frame of mind. That's what.
Eugene Meltsner: I protest, Mr. Walton. I am not muddled. In fact, things couldn't be clearer to me.
Bernard Walton: Yeah, well, that's what you always say before you do something ridiculous.
Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Walton, just stop and imagine it for a minute. You, Eugene Meltsner, in a monastery. With all due respect, I have imagined it. Nonetheless, I intend to visit the Oak Hills Monastery and Retreat Center this very day.
Bernard Walton: Never heard of it.
Eugene Meltsner: It's approximately an hour from here, in the hills on the other side of Mapleton. I wish to talk to the brothers there about their life.
Bernard Walton: You're going to look silly in one of those haircuts. And the robes won't flatter your figure, either.
Eugene Meltsner: Now you're just teasing me.
Bernard Walton: I just want you to be careful, Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: I appreciate your concern, Mr. Walton, but don't be alarmed. I won't make any rash decisions. If nothing else, the discipline of solitude will do me good. Just watch and see.
Jason Whittaker: So anyway, by connecting the main drive to the video display unit, we were able to integrate the visual programming with the computer's programming.
John Avery Whittaker: That's amazing, Jason.
Jason Whittaker: Yeah, we kind of thought so.
John Avery Whittaker: You and Eugene have made some wonderful innovations here.
Jason Whittaker: We just built on your foundation, Dad.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, you did more than that. I'm looking forward to tinkering around here again, if I get the time.
Jason Whittaker: You've been going non-stop since you got back.
John Avery Whittaker: Well, I'm having lunch with my old Sunday school class to talk about my time in the Middle East. And then Tom asked me to show some slides to the city's ladies' auxiliary this afternoon, followed by a meeting with the City Council. Oh, and this evening, I'm supposed to help promote the Universal Missions Foundation to a group of church leaders from around town.
Jason Whittaker: So, when are you going to have time to make your decision? You know the board is still waiting for your answer.
John Avery Whittaker: Yes, I know. But I just got back to Odyssey. It's hard to seriously consider leaving so soon.
Jason Whittaker: Dad, I'm surprised you're considering it at all. Traveling around the world, playing troubleshooter for mission after mission. It's a lot of hard work, particularly when you consider the time you've already been away.
John Avery Whittaker: Jason, are you trying to talk me out of it?
Jason Whittaker: I'm just wondering what you think you'll do.
John Avery Whittaker: Well, I wish I could tell you. I want to make it a matter of extensive prayer. I don't dare accept without knowing for certain that it's what God wants me to do.
Jason Whittaker: And just when do you expect to do all this extensive praying?
John Avery Whittaker: Well, I'll probably... Is it really 11:00? Listen, I have to go, Jason. I promised Emma Douglas I'd stop by on my way to the luncheon. I'll see you, Jason.
Jason Whittaker: Yeah, see you, Dad.
Bernard Walton: Bye-bye, Whit. Hey, wait! I wanted to talk to you about... Goodbye, Whit. Has he stopped running since he got back?
Jason Whittaker: No, and I sure wish he would. I don't like the way he's pushing himself. I've got to persuade him to just take some time off.
Bernard Walton: Well, that won't help me much. I need to talk to him for a minute about Eugene.
Jason Whittaker: About Eugene? Something wrong?
Bernard Walton: I'm not sure. Did you know he wants to join a monastery?
Jason Whittaker: What?
Brother James: So you see, every monastic order has its own rules and approaches to the spiritual life. Here, we emphasize simplicity, devotion to God, shared work, and substantial time spent in worship and contemplation.
Eugene Meltsner: It sounds ideal.
Brother James: Perhaps it does, but it isn't easy. It can be a difficult adjustment for those who aren't really ready for it.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, how do you know if you're ready?
Brother James: Well, we have a rather stringent process that candidates go through before we can accept them.
Eugene Meltsner: For example?
Brother James: I'm sorry, Eugene, but that information is for bona fide candidates, not merely the curious.
Eugene Meltsner: Hypothetically speaking, what if I want to be a candidate to join your order?
Brother James: Do you? It's not a decision to be made lightly, nor on impulse. Why don't you spend the day observing, praying, and meditating upon God, and let me know what you think this evening?
Eugene Meltsner: Very well. I'll have to phone Mr. Whittaker and let him know.
Brother James: John Whittaker?
Eugene Meltsner: Yes.
Brother James: From Odyssey?
Eugene Meltsner: The very one! I'm an employee of his at Whit's End.
Brother James: That's interesting. Then there's someone here that you know.
Eugene Meltsner: There is?
Brother James: For a small donation, we allow visitors to use our guest cabins. Here we go.
Eugene Meltsner: But I can't imagine who would be here whom I know.
Brother James: He comes here a lot. In fact, we're thinking of naming this cabin after him.
Eugene Meltsner: But who is it?
Guest (Male): Hello, Brother James. Well, hi, Eugene!
Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Allen!
Guest (Male): It's beautiful, isn't it?
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, it is. But I had no idea you came here or so frequently.
Guest (Male): I don't think I ever mentioned it.
Eugene Meltsner: But why didn't you? If I'd known, I might have come here too.
Guest (Male): Maybe that's one reason I didn't. This is my getaway place to meet God, to pray, to put all of Odyssey's distractions behind me.
Eugene Meltsner: I'm thinking of joining this monastery.
Guest (Male): Really? Well, this would be a wonderful place to stay indefinitely.
Eugene Meltsner: Why don't you?
Guest (Male): Oh, it's good for temporary escape, but it takes a clear calling to join permanently. Has God called you to come here?
Eugene Meltsner: Not exactly.
Guest (Male): Ah, you're here because of Katrina.
Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Allen, Katrina has nothing to do with... Well, almost nothing to do with... What I'm saying is that while losing Katrina has been difficult, it has helped me to put Christ back at the center of my life, and my desire is to keep Him there. I resent the implication that I'm running away from a romantic problem with a beautiful woman.
Guest (Male): Eugene, I didn't say you were running away. There's nothing wrong with retreating at times. This monastery is where I escaped to pray when we were dealing with Dr. Blackguard. The silence and the solitude helped me to understand what to do. I couldn't hear God in the clamor and chaos of Odyssey then. I had to get away.
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, thank you. That's what I meant to say. I've come here to enjoy the solitude, to find some peace.
Guest (Male): Well, I don't know that solitude always brings peace. Sometimes it produces just the opposite: inner turmoil and struggle.
Eugene Meltsner: I don't understand. I thought the purpose of solitude was to get rid of distractions so we could meet God and feel His peace.
Guest (Male): Check your Bible and church history, Eugene. Jesus went into the desert alone and fasted for forty days. He had very little peace. That's where he was tempted by Satan. It was also where he affirmed exactly who he was and why he came to earth. You see, solitude, when it's done for the right reasons, sometimes brings us face-to-face with our strengths and our weaknesses. It's not always a source of peace and comfort, though that might come later, just like it did with Jesus and a lot of other people in the Bible.
Eugene Meltsner: I guess I hadn't thought of that.
Guest (Male): Once we strip away all the activity and busyness that help maintain our disguises, then God can deal with us as we really are. It isn't always pleasant. In fact, it's been downright tough for me at times.
Eugene Meltsner: Amazing.
Guest (Male): Are you ready, Eugene? Are you willing to sit still and be quiet long enough to let God speak to you?
Eugene Meltsner: Of course I am. Well, I mean, I believe so.
Guest (Male): That's all right. I'm not always sure either. Considering how much effort we put into blocking God out with all our noise, it's no surprise that we have to work that much harder to meet Him in silence. Well, it was nice seeing you.
Eugene Meltsner: Are you leaving?
Guest (Male): No, but I didn't come all this way to talk with you, if you know what I mean. Oh, right. Enjoy your solitude, Mr. Allen. Thanks. Oh, Eugene, don't be discouraged.
Eugene Meltsner: Discouraged? By what?
Guest (Male): Thoughts you can't seem to control, talking to yourself, things like that. Silence and solitude can be hard to get used to. See you.
Eugene Meltsner: Surely you jest! I pride myself on a disciplined mind. Talking to myself is something I rarely do, if ever. Indeed.
Guest (Male): Take a journey into the past with the Imagination Station book series. There are dozens of books full of adventure that let you explore events from the Bible and other time periods. Find the series at theimaginationstation.com.
Guest (Female): Want to contact us about the episode you're hearing? Visit our website at adventuresinodyssey.com or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1-800-A-FAMILY, with a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you!
Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Allen!
Guest (Male): Hi, Eugene. So, how long did it take?
Eugene Meltsner: How long did it take?
Guest (Male): Before you stopped talking to yourself and got enough control over your thoughts to be able to pray.
Eugene Meltsner: Now, Mr. Allen, really.
Guest (Male): Most of the day, huh?
Eugene Meltsner: Approximately four hours, yes.
Guest (Male): Like I said, solitude can be hard to get used to. Are you going back to Odyssey now?
Eugene Meltsner: Well, after all that effort, I'd hoped Brother James would let me stay the night.
Guest (Male): Good for you. I'm sure he will. You should ask him to put you in my cabin. I have to leave now.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, I'd hoped we could discuss spiritual discipline some more.
Guest (Male): We can talk in Odyssey. Or you should ask Brother James. He knows a lot more than I do.
Eugene Meltsner: Perhaps I will. And thank you, Mr. Allen.
Guest (Male): You're welcome.
Eugene Meltsner: For what?
Guest (Male): For once again being such a good and helpful soulmate. Oh, my pleasure, Eugene. Have a good night.
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, and you as well. What a night! Thank you, dear Father, for the wonder of Your creation. Oh, and I'm not just saying that to be nice, either. Someone there? It doesn't matter.
Guest (Female): Mind if I join you?
Eugene Meltsner: What? Katrina!
Guest (Female): Katrina, what are you... I mean, why are you here? I was in the area and thought I'd drop in. In the area? But how could you... Eugene, Eugene, it's a joke. Oh, of course.
Guest (Female): So, do you like it here?
Eugene Meltsner: Here? You mean the monastery? Actually, yes, I do. But how did you find me? Did Bernard tell you? He was the only one who knew.
Guest (Female): Are you here because of me? This is my fault, isn't it? I feel terrible about what happened between us, Eugene. I have to admit that even while I accused you of being immature, I was also being immature. Things never should have gotten so complicated.
Eugene Meltsner: I agree. But it's not a point of blame, Katrina. I realized from the experience that you were right. I truly need more time to grow in my faith. I believe this is a good place in which to do it.
Guest (Female): You're so sweet, Eugene. I appreciate you so very much. Your heart, your spirit. I love you. I hope you know that.
Eugene Meltsner: I know. I know, Katrina. And I love you too. Katrina? Oh, now wait a minute. A dream? She was a dream?
John Avery Whittaker: Bernard! Well, what are you doing here so late?
Bernard Walton: Hi, Whit. Jason asked me to paint the window sills in your office and I thought I'd pick up some coffee to take up with me.
John Avery Whittaker: You're doing your painting at night now?
Bernard Walton: Sure, when the job's at Whit's End. It's best to get it done when the kids aren't around to mess things up. Well, what are you doing here?
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, I was just on my way home from a church meeting. I thought I'd stop in to get some paperwork taken care of.
Bernard Walton: Paperwork?
John Avery Whittaker: Yeah, Missions Magazine asked me to write an article about my archaeological work there in the Middle East.
Bernard Walton: I don't want to be disrespectful, Whit, but has it ever occurred to you to say no to some of these requests?
John Avery Whittaker: No.
Bernard Walton: Well, that's good for practice, but you might want to take the question mark off the end of it. An affirmative no.
John Avery Whittaker: No.
Bernard Walton: That's better. You've been running non-stop ever since you got back. It's no wonder you look so tired.
John Avery Whittaker: I look tired?
Bernard Walton: Those bags under your eyes aren't for your wallet and keys, Whit. It's none of my business, but I think you should slow down. How are you going to make up your mind otherwise?
John Avery Whittaker: What are you talking about, Bernard?
Bernard Walton: You don't have to be coy with me, Whit. I heard about that offer from the board. They want you to go back out on the road for them. That's got to be a hard decision.
John Avery Whittaker: Yes, it sure is. I just keep turning it over and over in my mind.
Bernard Walton: And?
John Avery Whittaker: And, well, I'm beginning to think that I should go. The board needs me. Those missions need me.
Bernard Walton: I don't see how needing you is such a big deal. I mean, you're the kind of person who could be needed anywhere. You're needed here, for that matter, as all your running around shows. But that's not the point, is it?
John Avery Whittaker: It isn't?
Bernard Walton: I don't see how you could have time to do any kind of sensible thinking when you're on the go so much. I mean, you need to slow down, catch your breath, see if maybe God has been trying to reach you through all the hubbub.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, well, I can't argue with you, Bernard. That's a very good point.
Bernard Walton: Why don't you take the day off tomorrow and go somewhere and think? Tell them I said you could. In fact, I have a brochure here for the perfect place.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, let's see. The Oak Hills Monastery and Retreat Center. Yes, I've heard of it, but I've never found time to go.
Bernard Walton: Go tomorrow, Whit. Give yourself a break to think and pray, all right?
John Avery Whittaker: All right, I will, Bernard. Thanks.
Bernard Walton: Good. Now, if you don't mind, you better get out of here so I can get that painting done. You're paying me by the hour, you know.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, am I? Well, in that case, goodnight, Bernard.
Bernard Walton: Night, Whit. Jason, you still back there?
Jason Whittaker: Uh-huh, I'm right here.
Bernard Walton: Well, you think that did the trick?
Jason Whittaker: I hope so. Hey, thanks. I was hoping he'd pay attention to you.
Bernard Walton: Well, it's all in the delivery. I thought sending him to the monastery was a nice touch. Good idea.
Jason Whittaker: Thanks. Do you really think your dad will be able to set Eugene straight?
Bernard Walton: Beats me. Hey, maybe Eugene will set my dad straight. Either way, I can't help but believe that something good will come out of it.
Eugene Meltsner: It's morning already! Well, why should you care? You were only a dream. A very real dream, I'll admit, but a dream nonetheless. What are you going to do now? Partake of some breakfast. Eugene, I mean now in the general sense. Oh, you're always so didactic. And you're not? And precisely what do you mean by that? I mean, I miss you, Katrina. And I must candidly admit that I resent the complexities of our relationship. We should have simply fallen in love and proceeded with marriage. Other couples do it all the time. Why couldn't we?
Katrina Shanks: Perhaps because we're not like other couples. I want our future to be in God's hands, Eugene. If we're to marry, it must be in His time, not ours.
Eugene Meltsner: Of course. Coming to this monastery has given me time to think about that. Katrina, I want what's best for you. If I'm not the one, then I will hesitantly but peacefully accept that fact. I mean it sincerely in my heart. Eugene? Eugene?
Brother James: Good morning!
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, Brother James, good morning.
Brother James: I'm your wake-up call for breakfast. Did you sleep out here or in your cabin?
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, in my cabin. I woke early and strolled out here. I must have fallen asleep again. Oh, how strange.
Brother James: Which part?
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, I had the most vivid dreams that I must confess seem to come from a very deep part of my heart.
Brother James: Ah. You say that knowingly. Yes, intense times of solitude will not only allow God to work things out in our minds, but also in our dreams.
Eugene Meltsner: Really? I'm a little surprised that it happened so quickly for you. Often it takes days for people to get beyond all the mental clutter so God can get down to some real cleansing.
Brother James: Cleansing? An interesting choice of word. It's God getting the rubbish out so we can work in a more pure environment. By rubbish, I'm talking about wounds we're keeping open, or bad thoughts we keep entertaining, or unreconciled relationships we're trying to sort out. Ah, yes, that's the one.
Eugene Meltsner: So you came to us because of a relationship?
Brother James: Yes. I can admit now that I did. Brother James, it's childish, I know. Oh, no, not at all. A lot of people come to visit for that reason, but none of them stay. You spent a day and a night with us, Eugene. Do you want to stay?
Eugene Meltsner: Well, for another day, yes, but not permanently. I have a feeling that my calling is elsewhere, Brother James. I don't know what it is or where it'll lead me, but I don't think it's here.
Brother James: That's a first step then, Eugene. My brothers and I can now pray with you that God will reveal it to you in His time.
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, in His time. What a day! Thank you, dear Father, for the wonder of Your creation. Oh, and I'm not saying that just to be nice, either. Why does it feel like I've done this before? Somebody there? Oh well, doesn't matter.
John Avery Whittaker: Mind if I join you?
Eugene Meltsner: What? Mr. Whittaker! Now wait a minute. This is a dream, isn't it? You're not really here.
John Avery Whittaker: What?
Eugene Meltsner: It's perfectly acceptable if you're not. I mean, I'm willing to discuss whatever it is we must work out in my subconscious.
John Avery Whittaker: Eugene, I think you and your subconscious have been lying in the sun too long. It's me, Whit, live and in person. Honest. Now, do we need to work something out?
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, please sit down.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, thanks. That's a nice spot you found. So, what's this all about?
Eugene Meltsner: If you're a dream, then I assume you're here so we can discuss my unresolved feelings about the possibility of your leaving us to go on the mission tour.
John Avery Whittaker: Well, I came up here to be alone and to pray, but we can talk about the mission tour, even if I'm not a dream. What are your unresolved feelings?
Eugene Meltsner: Only that I would hate to see you go, Mr. Whittaker. My time in Odyssey without you was mostly miserable. I can see now that it was redeemed only by my acceptance of Christ into my heart. But now that I am a Christian, I would love to have time to be mentored by you in the faith. In so many ways, you're my spiritual father. And I'd be at a loss if you took the position the board offered to you.
John Avery Whittaker: Well, thank you, Eugene. I really appreciate your honesty. And Lord willing, I would love to be a part of your Christian growth. You know, we could start right here by praying together.
Eugene Meltsner: We've never prayed together, have we?
John Avery Whittaker: No, somehow we just haven't had the time. But it would mean a lot to me if we could. Now.
Eugene Meltsner: It would mean a lot to me as well. In fact, it's something I've been dreaming about for a long, long time.
Chris: As we heard in today's episode, there are spiritual disciplines like silence, solitude, and meditation that have been practiced by Christians since the time of Jesus. We would do well to learn from their examples and commit ourselves to time away from our busy lives so we can get to know God in quiet prayer and the simple study of His word. You know, Eugene said that silence and solitude were only a couple of the spiritual disciplines. Do you know any of the others? If you do, write and tell me about it. I'd love to hear from you. Our address is Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. And when you do, ask about how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It's called Solitary Refinement. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. Solitary Refinement was written by Paul McCusker and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Mark Drury, with music by John Campbell. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.