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Come away with me

 

Today I decided to put all renovations out of my mind (although the electrician was coming to fix the power point that was in the wrong place and the concrete contractor was supposed to be pouring concrete). I left my husband in charge and met my pastor for morning coffee. We talked, discussed some issues with our children’s ministry as I had led this for thirty years, laughed and connected. She has become a very special friend. It was wonderful that she had set aside as much time as needed for our meeting so there was no sense of having to rush.

Then I went and picked up another dear friend for our scheduled weekly lunch date. This dear friend had been ill for several weeks so it was a delight to have that time together again. Again, we just relaxed and caught up with each other’s lives.

On the way home I called in to see my brother for a few minutes as I hadn’t seen him in a while.

I am blessed to have a close circle of friends and a loving extended family. I especially appreciated having a day where I was able to just relax and refresh through my conversations. I don’t do this often enough, always rushing here and there getting things done. My diary always looks very busy! God has impressed on me though, the importance of being flexible so that my diary doesn’t rule me. I always need to be open to hearing from the Holy Spirit and making a detour from scheduled tasks if necessary. This isn’t always easy for me as I am an organised task-oriented person. Some great lessons there for me to learn.

Today I want to encourage you to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even if it interrupts your routine. I also encourage you to take time to step aside from your routine and rest. In Mark 6:31 and 32 Jesus said to His disciples to ‘come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’ (NIV). A tired follower of Christ is vulnerable to temptation and to burnout. So get some rest.

The electrician came but the concrete contractor didn’t. Oh well!

‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’

Numbers 6:24-26.

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