“Ahhh!”

This is the final post related to my trip to the Seattle area last month. 

In my daily life, I tend to fill every moment. I do this, because my body and soul resist slowing down, and I struggle to give myself permission for downtime. However, I find this tendency slowly changing as I realize the importance of unhurried, open spaces of time to rest my soul. 

Once I make specific plans, and get away for time alone with God, I find this slower rhythm to be so refreshing. It often includes inner joyful moments as God rejuvenates my soul, and reminds me of his love for me and his pleasure in just being with me. 

Since the primary purpose of my trip to Washington was to speak for a women’s retreat (a time of giving out and investing in others), I decided to take a few extra days afterward for some time alone. I have gone away by myself a number of times, and have learned some “do’s and don’ts” that help me enjoy the experiences God provides when I have unscheduled time.

The “don’ts” revolve around not planning too much to do, not expecting great breakthroughs or clarity on burdensome issues, and not spending anytime on social media. 

The “do’s” revolve around giving myself permission to do things that delight me, or seem important to write down or consider. 

And the most important aspect of this time alone? Whatever I do, I am more intentional about spending this time not just with myself and my thoughts, but with God. This is a prime opportunity to listen more closely to him, since other things aren’t crowding in on my attention.

Because the agenda is so open, I often am surprised in how this time unfolds. 

As I put God in the center of this time, I find that large problems sometimes become smaller, or at least I gain new perspective about them. Worries that seem to crowd into my busy mind are muted and I live more in the moment. Even though I am a routine-oriented person, this experience of serendipity brings joy and unexpected delight. This special time…this open time…helps me to let go of my need for control. My mind wanders, as I think beyond schedules and activities. 

So I find myself doing things that I never seem to have enough time to do. I walk, I read, I write. I wander through a used bookstore or a tea shop. Maybe I do some needlepoint – even in the middle of the day! And through it all, I find myself talking with God. Or thinking about God. Or striving to look for His presence in my activities, or in the sights of nature, or in the people I encounter. 

These days away are filled with possibilities – not of needs and tasks – but of adventure and surprises. It’s a personal adventure. A spiritual adventure. These times lighten my spirit and bring me back to my world with more enthusiasm and energy, because I’ve allowed God to fill up my soul in ways I truly need. 

Time alone like this helps me remember who I am…and who God is.

Do you ever find yourself burdened by relationships or tasks, or feel like you’re stretched to the limit? Then I encourage you to get out a calendar and plan a time away with God. Even 24 hours can do wonders. 

Of course, your time away may look very different than mine, but as unique individuals shouldn’t it be that way? Let God help you discern what some time with Him might look like for you. Discover what it’s like to say “Ahhh!” because the Father has refreshed your mind, your heart, and your soul.

Let me pray for you. Dear Jesus, thank you for calling us to rest in your presence, knowing that our souls truly need such time with you. I pray that those reading this blog – especially in this season of the year – might choose moments to disengage. Help them to block out some time, and resolve not to overfill it. To simply get away and experience time with you. In your name, Amen.