Solitary Refinement

Eugene studies brochures for isolated retreats at Whit’s End. The painful end of his relationship with Katrina has made him recognize how much he still needs to grow as a Christian, and he wants to practice spiritual disciplines such as silence, fasting, prayer, and solitude. When he tells Bernard that he is considering joining a monastery, Bernard suspects that Eugene is making an extreme decision while his emotions are unsettled.

Bernard imagines Eugene taking a six-month vow of silence at a monastery in the Himalayas. In Bernard’s vision, the monks beg for the silence to continue, only to have Eugene launch into an enormous lecture the moment he is allowed to speak. Eugene dismisses this picture and leaves to visit the Oak Hills Monastery and Retreat Center, promising not to decide anything rashly.

Meanwhile, Whit has filled nearly every hour since returning to Odyssey with lunches, presentations, meetings, and other requests. Jason worries that his father is wearing himself out and leaving no quiet time to consider the Universal Encyclopedia board’s invitation. Whit will not accept its mission assignment unless he is convinced that God wants him to go, yet his constant activity keeps him from the prayer he says he needs.

At Oak Hills, Brother James explains that the monks devote themselves to simplicity, shared work, worship, and contemplation. Their life is demanding, and the monastery does not accept people on impulse. He invites Eugene to spend the day observing and praying before discussing whether he truly wants to become a candidate.

Brother James directs Eugene to a guest cabin occupied by someone he knows. To Eugene’s surprise, Jack frequently comes to Oak Hills in secret to leave Odyssey’s distractions behind and seek God. Jack explains that he once found guidance there during the struggle against Dr. Blackgaard. He also warns Eugene that solitude does not always produce immediate comfort. With noise and activity stripped away, people may be forced to face weaknesses, wounds, and temptations they have avoided.

Eugene insists that he has a disciplined mind, but within moments of being alone he begins talking to himself and chasing one wandering thought after another. Even the birds, trees, flowers, and his broken ukulele string distract him from prayer. After four difficult hours, he admits to Jack that quieting his thoughts has been far harder than he expected.

That night, Eugene dreams that Katrina has come to the monastery. She admits that she also behaved immaturely and says she still loves him. Eugene responds that their separation has shown him his need for deeper faith. When he awakens, he realizes the conversation has risen from his own hopes and unresolved feelings.

At Whit’s End, Bernard confronts Whit about his exhausting schedule and challenges him to say no. Being needed by missions abroad does not settle the question, because Whit is needed in Odyssey too. Bernard urges him to stop running long enough to hear God clearly and gives him a brochure for Oak Hills. Unknown to Whit, Jason has enlisted Bernard’s help and hopes the retreat will lead his father to Eugene.

The next morning, Eugene dreams of Katrina again. He finally admits that he resents the complications that have kept them from marrying, but he also accepts that their future must unfold in God’s time. If he is not the right person for Katrina, he is prepared - however reluctantly - to seek what is best for her.

Brother James tells Eugene that solitude often gives God room to clear away old wounds, harmful thoughts, and tangled relationships. Eugene acknowledges that Katrina is the real reason he has come. He decides to remain one more day but not to enter the monastery permanently. His calling lies elsewhere, even though he does not yet know what it is.

When Whit arrives at Oak Hills, Eugene initially mistakes him for another dream. Once convinced that Whit is truly there, Eugene confesses that he dreads losing him to another overseas assignment. Whit is the spiritual father Eugene longs to learn from now that he has become a Christian. Whit cannot yet promise what he will decide, but he gladly offers to take part in Eugene’s growth. For the first time, the two sit down to pray together in the quiet.