Mediterranean Hills
Currently I am in the middle of nowhere. This is local turf, a place that practically no tourist knows of. And I am so excited to be away from it all. I am at a hostel called Ostello Beata Solitudo a quiet place nestled in the hills above Amalfi on the Amalfi coast. Before my sisters arrive in 4 days (FINALLY), I am taking a vacation from my vacation. Which is perfect considering I believe I have some form of the flu. 'Tis fantastic.
So for the next 3 ish days I will stuff myself with tea, bland food, and a variety of medicines in order to be in top shape for my sisters arrival. These few days of solitude will also be spent with Jesus. I have been so busy lately that I probably owe Him a few dates. I'm going to kick back with my copy of Mere Christianity, my Bible, and journal and spend some much needed time with my Creator while I admire His fine handiwork. Should be an excellent and much needed break from the rush of life.
So often I find that it's easy to be whirled away by our daily goings on that we forget Jesus altogether. I am guilty. It seems to me that any time I become cranky (minus the morning because that's basically a given, but I am getting better Mum!) or tired it's usually due to the fact that I haven't spent time with Jesus that day. And that excites me. The fact that my irritability is due not to lack of sleep or food but rather lack of time spent with Him affirms to me that I am growing closer in terms of my daily walk. It is becoming just that. Although I do often miss days with alone time with Jesus, I now see that it affects my mood so greatly. I always feel refreshed after even a moment with Him, and it seems to slow down my day.
So if you've been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or overloaded lately, I suggest (as radical as this might seem to the western mind), take a break. Stop what you're doing and just go. Take a sabbatical if need be. Take an afternoon, take a day, take a week, take 6 months! Take whatever time you need to refocus your mind and straighten out your priorities with Christ at the centre. Even the strongest of Christians need a time like this. If you live in Muskoka go borrow my parent's canoe for an afternoon and just set out on a quiet lake in Algonquin Park (I know you've just had snow, but you're strong folks, I know you can handle a bit of cold). Take a walk into the middle of nowhere and just sit and listen to the silence. If you live in the city, go somewhere where you know you feel peace. Even if you have work. Seriously, this is not laziness but a form of self care, and perhaps a necessary activity for your relationship with Christ. Just a thought. I had enough time at the Bode to realize that this, for me, is so necessary. A. Because I'm an introvert; and B. Jesus wants to spend time with you and you alone. You're in the relationship together. Don't let it become lopsided.
I know you've all probably heard this before, but what harm can another reminder do? Solitude feels good. And solitude with Jesus, even more so.
Much love,
Mickeelie
So for the next 3 ish days I will stuff myself with tea, bland food, and a variety of medicines in order to be in top shape for my sisters arrival. These few days of solitude will also be spent with Jesus. I have been so busy lately that I probably owe Him a few dates. I'm going to kick back with my copy of Mere Christianity, my Bible, and journal and spend some much needed time with my Creator while I admire His fine handiwork. Should be an excellent and much needed break from the rush of life.
So often I find that it's easy to be whirled away by our daily goings on that we forget Jesus altogether. I am guilty. It seems to me that any time I become cranky (minus the morning because that's basically a given, but I am getting better Mum!) or tired it's usually due to the fact that I haven't spent time with Jesus that day. And that excites me. The fact that my irritability is due not to lack of sleep or food but rather lack of time spent with Him affirms to me that I am growing closer in terms of my daily walk. It is becoming just that. Although I do often miss days with alone time with Jesus, I now see that it affects my mood so greatly. I always feel refreshed after even a moment with Him, and it seems to slow down my day.
So if you've been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or overloaded lately, I suggest (as radical as this might seem to the western mind), take a break. Stop what you're doing and just go. Take a sabbatical if need be. Take an afternoon, take a day, take a week, take 6 months! Take whatever time you need to refocus your mind and straighten out your priorities with Christ at the centre. Even the strongest of Christians need a time like this. If you live in Muskoka go borrow my parent's canoe for an afternoon and just set out on a quiet lake in Algonquin Park (I know you've just had snow, but you're strong folks, I know you can handle a bit of cold). Take a walk into the middle of nowhere and just sit and listen to the silence. If you live in the city, go somewhere where you know you feel peace. Even if you have work. Seriously, this is not laziness but a form of self care, and perhaps a necessary activity for your relationship with Christ. Just a thought. I had enough time at the Bode to realize that this, for me, is so necessary. A. Because I'm an introvert; and B. Jesus wants to spend time with you and you alone. You're in the relationship together. Don't let it become lopsided.
I know you've all probably heard this before, but what harm can another reminder do? Solitude feels good. And solitude with Jesus, even more so.
Much love,
Mickeelie
Time away reminds me somewhat of Jesus' miracle of the multiplied loaves and fish. When choosing to "step back" I am always nervous of the time I am losing to get something on my list done. In the end my time seems to be miraculously multiplied!! I come away rested, refreshed and fed with more time on my hands to get everything done. Why do I doubt this every time I wrestle with the fact that I need to go away and just "be"?!? Every time I do God is gracious and miraculous.
ReplyDeleteIt's time!!