Sometimes, drawing back for a season is helpful to get perspective.
I am thankful to have had an extended break this summer with my family. Brian and I have been in ministry for 27 years and had never taken an extended leave. We felt very blessed.
These are some of my reflections:
I have a lot more than I need.
After a lot of travel and staying with family the first month, we were fortunate to be in one place for an entire month. (just the four of us) You find out how little you can get by with, not how much. Fewer clothes, shoes, food, appliances, etc. At home we have a lot of “stuff.”
Simplicity is a good thing! I like it. Fewer choices takes less time.
Solitude is necessary. We can have that all year long in our prayer time. What I need to ask myself now is how to remain whole and living in grace, in the midst of so many distractions. Where can I find solitude? When are the times I can withdraw and be with God?
When we withdraw, we see some things that are truly important. God, family, friends, etc. Being alone is precious. As Ann Morrow Lindbergh said, “I find there is a quality to being alone that is incredibly precious. Life rushes back into the void, richer, more vivid, fuller than before.”
Unless I keep my center intact(immersed with God), I have nothing to give anyone else.
Now, I must try to find those times with God so I can fill up and then I will have more to give to others when with them.
Bless you Big as you seek times of solitude!
Thora
So happy you had this time of refreshment and reflection. But double glad you’re back!
We truly missed you but are so happy that you got to go. I value my personal retreats I take just God and I. They totally changed my direction when I started to do this. My morning time with Him is very important but a few days away just the two of us is vital to my well being. I recommend it to everyone. It does change you from the inside out.
We truly missed you but are so happy that you got to go. I value my personal retreats I take just God and I. They totally changed my direction when I started to do this. My morning time with Him is very important but a few days away just the two of us is vital to my well being. I recommend it to everyone. It does change you from the inside out.
“Simplicity is a good thing! I like it. Fewer choices takes less time.”
So true, it seems the more decisions I have to make the fewer things I can actually get done!