Heaven's Perspective: Retreat

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!" Mark 1:35-37

 When life comes at you like a freight train - full speed ahead - it's all you can do to hang on tight. There's barely time to think, no warning, no preparing or packing a bag - only time to react and latch onto whatever is in front of you until the train stops.

The unexpected happens all the time - life and death - but when they couple themselves together and come one after the other, our minds can't catch up with our hearts. In every crisis, whether good or bad, there's always stuff to be done - responsibilities and loose ends to tie up - for those holding up the arms of loved ones.

And when that freight train comes to a screeching halt - even for a brief moment - we find ourselves disheveled, speechless, utterly weary and maybe even a bit numb. We feel neither joy nor sorrow because we've been so busy caring for others that we pushed our own emotions aside. All we want is solace. Quiet. Retreat.

Isn't that exactly what Jesus felt? 

(Join me at Encouragement Cafe or Crosswalk for the rest of the story, won't you?)

Retreat!

 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!" Mark 1:35-37

 When life comes at you like a freight train - full speed ahead - it's all you can do to hang on tight. There's barely time to think, no warning, no preparing or packing a bag - only time to react and latch onto whatever is in front of you until the train stops.

The unexpected happens all the time - life and death - but when they couple themselves together and come one after the other, our minds can't catch up with our hearts. In every crisis, whether good or bad, there's always stuff to be done - responsibilities and loose ends to tie up - for those holding up the arms of loved ones.

And when that freight train comes to a screeching halt - even for a brief moment - we find ourselves disheveled, speechless, utterly weary and maybe even a bit numb. We feel neither joy nor sorrow because we've been so busy caring for others that we pushed our own emotions aside. All we want is solace. Quiet. Retreat.

Isn't that exactly what Jesus felt? After a day of teaching and healing and crowds pushing in he rested. And in the dark, just before sunrise, he retreated to a quiet place, alone - far away from the crowds and people who needed his touch. And while he was there? He spent time alone with his Father - where I imagine he cried, prayed, received encouragement, refreshment and empowerment to see things from heaven's perspective once again.

We all need those times, don't we? Time alone with our Father to cry it all out, to share what's on our hearts, listen for his voice and receive the encouragement and empowerment that comes only by spending time in His presence; time to refocus, zoom out from the immediate circumstances and refocus on God's higher perspective.

That's where I'm at now - needing a retreat away from the crowds, away from everyone who needs me and soaking up every drop of God's presence and encouragement. I need physical, emotional and spiritual rest, so if you don't find my words sprawled across the page as often, it's because I'm retreating and seeking God's higher perspective on life.

See you soon,
Dawn

P. S. When you feel spent, what's your favorite place to retreat? How do you draw God close when you can barely utter a word?

Time Out!

"At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place..."

Luke 4:42

A small, wooden, high-backed chair sits empty in a corner of my dining room. It caught my attention at a town-wide craft fair over twenty years ago and it's initial purpose was strictly ornamental. But as my children grew and I began a home day care, I soon discovered it was the perfect size for a child's bottom. Yes, you've guessed it. It became the "time-out chair."

For most children, a few minutes of solitude in the time-out chair helped calm the situation and improve their attitudes. Sometimes as adults, we need to a few minutes in the time-out chair too, even if we're not the ones who caused the ruckus.

Yesterday, I sent myself to the time-out chair. Oh, not the same chair, but my quiet chair; the one in my office.

It had been a rough Sunday morning of waking up late leaving us gulping down eggs without coffee and racing to church. Half way to the highway, my husband and I wondered if we should even go since our attitudes were so bad. But, we continued on, mostly out of a heart of obligation rather than worship. It ended up a bad decision.

Later that afternoon, I snuck away. In complete silence and solitude I rested in God's embrace and His Word, confessing my bad attitude and drinking in his grace. He filled me with His peace so by the end of my time-out I could walk in harmony with my husband and enjoy the company of my family.

We all have need of a time-out now and again. Even Jesus slipped away from the crowds to spend time in solitude, thinking and praying to his heavenly Father. If Jesus needed that quiet time, how much more do we need it?

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35