Just got back from an incredible retreat! Lots of silence, solitude and prayer. Rich teaching by Richard Foster, Chris Webb (Renovare' president), and others on the Renovare' team. Music during worship was mostly Celtic style, very peaceful and reflective. Journaled a LOT! I'd like to give you three little things to think about in your spiritual journey. These are the three sentiments Richard Foster left us with yesterday as we were preparing to end the retreat. 1) Be easy with yourself as God is easy with you.
2) Walk cheerfully over the earth--laugh a lot.
3) Stay close to Jesus.
I really appreciate the admonition to be easy with myself. I woke up today to a messy house, a growing laundry pile, and a substantial to-do list. At the top of the list was---quiet time with God. Before I could sit down, I got a call that my youngest son was being rushed to the ER because he fainted in summer school. Thankfully it turned out to be nothing serious.
And so goes life. A lot is going on right now for me that can be draining--to say the least. Perhaps you can say the same. I don't need one more burden to carry. Into the midst of my weariness comes the voice of Christ. Listen to how Eugene Peterson paraphrases Matthew 11:28-30 in The Message.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Today may you be easy with yourself as God is easy with you. And may you find a bit of quiet time and learn a little more about the unforced rhythms of grace.