Feast or Famine

Over the years I've had a few people criticize me for my frequent retreats and "getaways". Beginning with family members who couldn't understand how I could leave my children to church members who wondered at my need to "escape ministry", not everyone has understood why I get away every couple of months for at least a day or two. One thing I came to a conclusion about while on my sabbatical was simply that I need more space in my life so that I can be refreshed and come back functioning out of a fullness of energy and having heard from God. I didn't use to see this as a need but now I seem to need it more and more. The more complicated ministry has gotten, the more I need space and simplicity to be in any way effective. I now get "thirsty" for this time away! When I go away, whether it's with Phil or by myself, I fast from certain things and instead take that opportunity to feast on other things.

In honor of our almost nationwide day off, here is a list of some of the things I fast from and feast on when I head out of town.....

I fast from busyness and multi-tasking and I feast on simplicity, doing one thing at a time.

I fast from filling my life with noise (usually no tv, no computer!) and I feast on silence and the sounds of nature. In this way I am more able to hear God's voice resonate in my heart.

I fast from rushing and I feast on taking my time.

I fast from hurried conversation and I feast on being fully present with those I love and indulging in long, meaningful times of communication.

I fast from my to do list and I feast on simply relaxing in God's presence, resting in His love for me.

I fast from the demands, opinions, and expectations of others and feast on paying attention to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and staying true to myself.

I fast from doing for God and I feast on being with God.

I fast from rushed, 15-30 minute quiet times where I feel distracted and feast on spending unstructured, almost limitless time in the Word, journaling, reading and praying.

I fast from listening to music for ministry's sake and I feast on worshiping God.

I fast from rushing blindly through life and I feast on slowing down and becoming fully aware of God's work and presence.

I fast from my own ideas, opinions, ability to figure things out and I feast on God's wisdom and word to me.

I fast from living a crowded life and feast on spaciousness.

I fast from activity and feast on rest.

And amazingly enough, I always come back full ........with a righted perspective and with guidance from God.

What do you need to fast from?

What do you need to feast on?

Comments

[Eric M.]

Good stuff here!!! Many times we need to let go/simplify so we can stay on the right track. There is so many things trying to grab our attention. Sometimes we need to create a "Not to do" list.

[Owen]

Looking from your other posts, it looks like your going through a good bit of turmoil these days. I'll be praying for you and Phil. Just keep your eye on God's big picture and don't let the sin of others hold you back! :)

[Alison]

I missed this post somehow. Good list.

Right now, my biggest goal is to stay off the computer as much and spend more time with my family. The dividends have been huge for me the last couple of weeks.