So it’s about that time again… a new season, another opportunity to do some cleaning out, cleaning up and ultimately yet another time of reflection.
This week I actually had “Spring Break” from classes but unfortunately, I couldn’t get “life” to align itself up with my school schedule due to responsibilities to my son, the pups, my family, my clients, ministry obligations and everything in between. However, what I did decide to do was to give myself a mini-retreat. I went online and found a quaint little Bed & Breakfast in a small historic town where there’s probably only like 20 people who reside there. My room appropriately called the “Spring Room” (even though it feels like winter is trying to rear its ugly head for one last "hoorah") is filled with all of the comforts and amenities of a plush hotel but with a nice homely antique-esque charm. My room includes a Jacuzzi tub, electric fireplace and even free Wi-Fi, a T.V., and DVD player should I decide to listen to something other than God’s voice or that amazing group called silence. (smile) Within walking distance is a full service spa & salon where I will be indulging in a deluxe pedicure and maybe a facial if I can squeeze it in. And when that’s all said and done, I’ll probably venture across the way to a local restaurant and order the grilled lamb chops served with mint jelly, mashed potatoes and grilled veggies on the side… can you say YUM? (smile)
Now I’m not a rich & famous author (not yet anyway) nor am I rolling in “dough” or the “cheddar”… in fact I’m a “temporarily financially impaired student” (lol) and single parent, working part-time as a freelance writer/author and the other “part-time” as an entrepreneur growing my businesses and building my portfolio. Nonetheless, I decided that I needed this. After seeking God’s favor in prayer, He opened the doors for me to make this mini-retreat happen and I am truly grateful and blessed.
Even if you can't get away physically it is certainly possible to create an ambience of peace and serenity in your home even if for just a few hours. Nothing wrong either with asking God (Matthews 7:7 and Luke 11:9) to open a door, an opportunity for you to take a couple days and just REST in Him. Perhaps a friend or family member may even offer their home as a personal retreat.
Many times we can become so busy, so engrossed in life’s issues, so consumed in life’s work and so engaged in “stuff” that most of us don’t take the time we need to rest, be restored and get replenished. And truthfully, I don’t mean just “sleep” although for many of the sleep deprived, the term “rest” would serve all inclusive… however, I mean just taking some time to take in the beauty of life, meditate on God’s word or simply just breathe. In doing so, I mean without any interruptions, electronics (unless it’s to play some soothing, relaxing music) or other disruptive or negative distractions.
Unfortunately we become so inundated and bogged down that it becomes impossible to experience life in the fullness that it was intended. John 10:10 says that “I [the Lord speaking here] am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” So my question to you is this: Are YOU living an abundant life? (Something to think about huh?)
Now I hear lots of folks who have this “work hard now, I’ll sleep when I die” mentality. And even more disturbing is this mindset that many of us believers get trapped into accepting that we are to work, work, work in the vineyard with no rest in between when the God I serve says “come unto me all ye that labour and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) Don’t get me wrong, God requires us to work and he absolutely despises slothfulness but our Heavenly Daddy knows that our mere mortal bodies can only handle but so much. All throughout his Word, He reassures us that He is there for us when we feel weak and faint, discouraged and stressed out. He beckons us to come and drink from the well of His living water. God is awesome folks! And He knows how to take good care of what belongs to Himself!! Can I get some “hallelujah’s”? ☺
So having said that, I hope that you too will take the time to reflect on a few things, especially if you are experiencing a great deal of stress in your life. Sometimes you simply need to take some time to shut down all of the outside noise and chatter that feeds your subconscious and allow God’s Spirit to administer peace and rest.
Gotta go but I’ll post some pics soon from my mini getaway. Until next time... remember to breathe!
Joy & Blessings RAWC Stars!
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