It’s late on Saturday, March 19. Within the next 14 hours or so, I plan to head out to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin for a retreat at The Cedarly from the Pastor’s Retreat Network. I will be on a “media fast” while I am there, so I will be unavailable except for emergencies.
On Monday, March 28, I will return to work. It seems kind of odd to say it. I’ll go through my regular morning routine except that – at the end of it – I’ll go to work. I’ll probably park in the same spot (or maybe now I won’t, just to prove myself wrong!), say hi to Bonnie, set up my computer and start thinking about sermons and Art Camp and who to visit and… It will be just like coming back after any other weekend. NOT!
These 12 weeks off have been intense. As I delved into the past, I relived some significant hurts and feel like I am now able to let those memories “rest in peace.” I also worked with a sponsor to go through a 12-Step program through Crossing Recovery. It was very humbling to realize how deeply my character defects – my hurts, fears, resentments and failures – have contributed to the troubles that I continue to deal with today. I also have discovered in a deeper way some of the joys and limitations of present-day relationships. My troubles are far from over; my problems are far from solved. I can only trust that God who has begun a good work in me will complete it as well.
On April 3, I will be preaching again. I have no idea what I will preach on or what it will feel like to be back. I do know that I appreciate the many people from Bethel and beyond who have been so supportive and prayerful during this time away. It has been a gift beyond measure to me and I appreciate your patience with me. Thank you!
While I am in Wisconsin, I would appreciate your prayers for me. They describe their retreats this way:
Our self-directed retreats are a time for rest, reflection, and recreation. Think of the experience as “continuing education of the heart.”
There are no classes and no schedules. As you listen and respond, God creates a personalized lesson plan in your heart. Through Scripture, fellowship, times of solitude and the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit, head knowledge becomes heart experience.
For each pastor and ministry couple, the process is unique, but the outcome is the same—you leave the retreat refreshed, renewed, and more deeply in love with the God you serve.
So pray for that: refreshment, renewal and a deeper love with the God I return to serve.
