Personal retreat

Tuesday I took a few hours to escape from campus and take a little time with God. I went to Chipotle and got a burrito to go, then stopped by Sonic for a Cherry Limeade. I drove to the Mishawaka River walk. I walked around a bit and then found a nice bench to sit on while I enjoyed my tasty lunch.

After I ate I the spent some time reading "So Long, Status Quo" by Susy Flory. The chapter I read was about her venture into a 12 hour verbal fast - she spent an entire day without speaking. She wrote about the things she noticed during her hours of not speaking. Some things that stood out to me were when she realized some family situations solved were solved by the persons involved rather than her since she didn't step into the disagreements and offer her solution. Also, she commented on how good it was to just sit with her husband at the end of the day and enjoy his presence. I think those observations stood out to me because I could relate to them more than some of the others she shared.

I realize that I often (maybe always) feel the need to jump in and provide a solution to problems that come up in conversation. I sensed God was telling me that I need to learn to hold my tongue a bit more in this next season - maybe because of cultural reasons, maybe because of things I need to learn from others, or possibly just to be obedient. I trust that He will work with me on this because I am pretty good at jumping in with my two cents worth most of the time - just ask my co-worker Chad! :)

I also thought her comment about just enjoying being present with her husband was a good reminder of what I should do with others as I enter this season of saying farewell to others. My first response will be to fill up my last moments spent with others talking about things non-stop. I think I might miss some of the peace that comes from just being with those I care about if I just prattle on and on about nothing. I think God is also encouraging me to just be with Him as well. Right now my quiet times aren't very quiet, they are filled with many prayer requests about the upcoming move and all the unknowns associated with it. I sense that I will feel more peace about all those unknowns if I just rest with Him instead of bombarding Him with questions.

I continue to trust Him in all that this move means for my life and of those I love.