09-21-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 21, 2024
Good morning! On this Saturday morning, I find myself at Lake Brownwood Christian Retreat Center for the 2024 Regional Men’s Retreat. I’ll be cutting out early so I can be back in Spring for worship tomorrow. Ten hours (five each way) seems like a long drive for less than 24 hours at the actual retreat, and there would be times when I’d agree. But the fellowship, the one keynote I’ve heard so far, and the setting make it all worth the drive. There is nothing extraordinarily stressful in my life right now, though like many of you, there is a general busyness that often requires me to push. The drive here (and I assume the return trip) was put to good use—a few phone calls to check on church people, and then listening to a book on Audible that I have been wanting to read but have not found the time to get it done. The setting along the lake is really quite breath-taking, and there are moments when putting myself in a new setting where I am surrounded by nature is what helps my batteries recharge, like pulling up to the Tesla Supercharger Station and getting what I need for the next part of the journey. For other people, this might not look like renewal but exhaustion. Each of us is wired differently, and for that, I am thankful. But whatever it is for you, even if it is getting up before the sun or staying up after others have gone to bed, consider lighting a candle and spending some time in prayer. Read again the well-known words from Psalm 46, “‘Be still, and know that I am God!” How often do we make reference to such an idea but don’t do our part, which is to be still, to get away, to make a break, to create some space, or simply go for a walk? There are many ways we can connect with God, to have that deep connection with God, but in the chaos of life, it often requires us to be still.

There are times when I need some assistance, Holy and Amazing God. There are times when I need that extra bit of help to pause and connect. Encourage within me a spirit of intentionality, as I know I need a few minutes with you. Amen.