You missed me! I know you did!! 🙂 And you are thinking, “Bill was gone?” I didn’t post yesterday because Jo and I made our way to Ohio on Friday to visit Janna and Braden for the weekend. His game Friday evening was rained out, but he did play Saturday. We took Braden to his favorite place to eat Friday night (Roosters…one of my favorites also) and also ate out Saturday night. We visited Adventure Church in Delaware, OH on Sunday and then had lunch with some old friends (Mike and Trisha Laws. Mike donated a kidney to his then 15 year old son). Sunday night we went out to eat (again) with Janna, Braden, and her friend, Mike. I’m sensing a common theme here. Do you? In case you are having trouble, it begins with an “e” and ends with a “g” and has an “atin” in between. Way. too. much. Typical 16 1/2 year old, Braden ate more when he got home.
I texted Janna and thanked her for letting us crash her weekend. We were tired (weary), stuffed, but contented. Not necessarily in that order.
I needed to get away. I’m 70 y/o but my pace has not really slowed down. I love what I do, and due to the lack of retirement and SS, I cannot retire, even though Jo would like me to…or at least slow down. And I don’t want to retire. Toiling in small churches has its advantages and disadvantages. Plus, my lack of financial “smarts” has also come back to haunt me. But I’m not complaining.
It was nice, though, to have a change of pace. We all need it. We all need those times to slow down. We all need those times we switch gears and do something totally different than normal. Even though it was a full weekend, it was a good one because our routine was changed. Pastor Ryan, the youth pastor, preached while I was gone. I got to enjoy the worship at a church from the other side (no responsibility).
The psalmist says, “Be still and know that I am God.” That is more than solitude and silence, although that can be part of it. It also involves just being still, enjoying those moments of “A-a-a-a-h” with God. It is a time to step away and refresh the spirit with laughter and love from people who mean the most to you.
Find time to get away. Find time to refresh. Find time to do something totally different. You’ll be glad you did. So will your heart.
So glad you and Jo got to go away and enjoy family! I love those times. Like you and Jo, our kids and grands aren’t local—MN and VA—so it’s extra special to get to spend time with them. So blessed!
I’m guessing yours are father away than ours. 4 hours max. But yes, it is good and special to spend time with them.
It is nice to be able to step out of the routine once in awhile and just participate. Not having the burden of leading, organizing, making sure things run as planned. Though these are good and provide opportunities to minister to others, they can – over time, where one down if there isn’t a time to refresh.
I had that opportunity as well this past Sunday Night. Our local church had a Sunday Night service. Initially I was bummed that it would conflict with our Men’s Group, Fight Club, that meets on Sunday evening. We took the opportunity to break from our Men’s group and be a part of the worship night. Though I had a small part to play in the worship night, I didn’t have to focus on the technology or the preparing for the Men’s Group and was able to just experience God with my family and those around me. It was a much needed respite.
I am glad you had a good time as well and a time away. Also glad you are back safe!
I’m am glad you were able to step back as well Ryan. I can tell from your words it was a good thing. I know you are so involved in the tech side of things that worshiping with your family is very rare. A much needed respite I’m sure.
Superb advice, Bill! I’m glad that Jo and you had a rejuvenating weekend; we all need times like those to keep going in “ordinary time.”
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. Sort of like your visit with your family (that you cried over as they left). The soul needs those times.
Sounds like a great weekend, and I am glad you got to enjoy it. Glad you took the time to reset, refresh, and enjoy great company. Glad you are back. Spending time being still with God, its rejuvenating and nothing can replace the warm hug that the Lord provides. Ryan’s sermon was really good, and he gave us plenty to reflect on this week.
Thx Gail for the encouraging words. I’m glad Ryan was spot on in his sermon.
What a wonderful, refreshing post! It was calming to my spirit. Our lives have taken such a different direction from what we have been experiencing the past few years, and I’ll tell you, I am just exhausted. Thank you for reminding me that I need to take a break now and then. May God bless you and your family, Pastor Bill.
Thanks Cheryl. I hope you find the rest your family sounds like it needs.