If God is calling one to a life of solitude with Him, in contemplation and intercession then life gets to be very 'real', meaning, one sees it for what it is. Merton writes, "Be content to remain in loneliness and isolation, dryness and anguish, waiting upon God in darkness." He's referring a lot to my Father in Carmel, Juan de la Cruz. I'm trying to follow the path they show, I'm 'in it', but IT AIN'T EASY!!!

Peace to you in Him, b. John