“Hold fast your
dreams! Within your heart keep one still,
Secret spot where
dreams may go. And, sheltered so,
May thrive and grow.”
Louise Driscoll
E.M. Bounds said, “The possibilities of prayer run parallel
with the promises of God. Prayer opens an outlet for the promises…and secures
their precious ends.” If you are not
familiar with the works of E.M. Bounds, he was a mighty man of God and a
truthful witness in his books on prayer. He’s right up there with other late
greats – Andrew Murray, Brother Lawrence, Oswald Chambers and Watchman Nee. If
you are serious about your personal walk and relationship with Jesus, I
heartily recommend the writings of these men of God along with the modern day
companionship of the writings of Francis Frangipane from River of Life
Ministries.
I pack heavily when I
travel, and I always bring along a few treasured friends to keep my mind
focused on the point of my retreat. This time I packed only a couple of things
as I wanted to listen more than read. Of course I brought my Daily Walk Bible I
am using for my annual pilgrimage through Biblical history. I also brought my
beloved study Bible, tapes from In Christ’s Image Session 2 to soothe my
spirit, praise music, my journal, and my worn out copy of The Ragamuffin Gospel
so I can prepare my final lesson. Thus far, I’ve been journaling, but today I
decided to put my blogs from Tuesday and Wednesday down in print, so I could
send them along to my readers upon my return to civilization and the comforts
of home. Being at a place where there is limited cell service and no internet
reception does keep one’s mind in the right perspective. Likewise, I limit my
diet to a few chosen foods to keep things simple. After all I did not take off
work to come to a place of solitude to dine out or cook a feast, and lie around
eating chocolates! Hmmm, I am making a
mental note to check out the lodge gift shop to see if they are still making
fudge.
Today I had less lofty plans than buckling down to consider
why I came here, as I had previously scheduled a doctor’s appointment, and it
was necessary to attend. Also, I met two friends who love to haul me out of the
house, and we had a simple meal at The Sopapilla Factory in Pojoaque. The atmosphere
was nice, staff respectful and attentive, and the food appealing visually and
to the taste buds. We had a few laughs, shared a few woes, but we left feeling
uplifted by the companionship found in our mutual love and concern for each
other.
It was a long day, and I was in pain, so I decided to write
a few inspired notes, then head off to an early rest for the night. I felt
peaceful in the morning scripture readings, my daily encourager, and the other
inspirational literature I had consumed hungrily that morning before I headed
off to meet my friends. I like to surround myself with reminders of God’s
promises whether found in the Psalms, my 365 Day Brighter, or my Daily Calendar
with inspirational reminders. My office at home
has bulletins boards with posts that are fun and uplifting, splattered with
memorabilia. I post scripture on my
computer monitor to remind me to choose my words carefully and to remind me to
“breathe, blink, take 5” and praise God. I just purchased a canvas of Snoopy
and Woodstock which I placed on the wall I face so I remember to smile and not
take life so seriously all the time. I am taking these steps to create a happy
atmosphere in which to work, as I spend literal hours and whole days
accompanied by long nights sitting in front of the computer, in an extremely,
extremely stressful to the nth degree job.
You mathematicians will be able to identify how extreme my extremely
means! But, it is a rewarding adventure into the mundane and insane life I
live. Truth is, I HAVE NO LIFE! But, yes, but, until I decide to change my
life, it is my choice, and I feel satisfied when I am able to help even one
person each day.
How do you spend your time? Do you feel that it is well
spent? If you could change it, would you? And if so, how? These are the life
questions with which I am faced. To which we all are faced if we are honest.
Life can be hard, and I admit openly that I am very much in need of change,
whether it is a tangible change in career choice or simply starting over in a
new place.
I’m glad I don’t have to think about it today. I’m happy to
be able to let go and listen, so I will be able to clearly hear the answer when
it arrives. I have felt like I am being drawn and quartered, without the sweet
reward of a taffy pull. I became unglued, and I lost all composure last Sunday
afternoon, so with the counsel of a close friend, who finds herself,
interestingly enough, in a similar boat as I, I decided to escape. And that is
where I am today…escaping what is, thinking about what is to be. Choices.
Listening to the only voice I need to hear, resting in His Presence.
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