Silence & Solitude
Just got back from a few days away. My body needed it.
One of the things I work hard at is trying to keep my pace managable and my soul fresh. One of the ways I do that is by taking a retreat each year. Granted, I didn’t do it last year, but most years I get it in.
I took the last 3 days and went to the Westin, took my bible, some books, my running shoes and my journal. I did some running, some reading and a lot of sleeping.
Silence and solitude is good.
As a pastor, one of the things that comes with the territory is helping others in their spiritual journey. The problem is that most pastors do not have someone who is helping them in their spiritual journey. Pastors need to have a pastor. Sometimes that is in the form of a relationship with a mentor or spiritual director, sometimes it is the form of books or podcasts, but pastors need to tend to their souls.
If you don’t, no one else will.
For Katie and I, this is the worth the expense. I come back refreshed, renewed and not quite as tired.
I was asked by someone if I got anything new or if God spoke while I was away. While I was hoping to get some clarity on some things, the biggest thing that came out of the last 3 days was just resting in God and renewing myself as a child of God and letting God restore me. Just resting in God.
What does that look like?
Stopping. Slowing down. Praying. Reading scripture. Listening. Sleeping.
If this concept is new to you, let me recommend a few resources that have helped me understand the importance of this:
