I just love this picture. It is so peaceful and relaxing! It brings back incredible memories of a great trip with some very amazing people. Yet when I really think about our trip and how wonderful it was, basking in the memories, I have forgotten the whole truth about those days. Our trip was not only for fun but was packed with so much more.
We had a itinerary that was fast paced and filled with lots of learning aside from wonderful sights, historical and spiritual facts that left our minds buzzing.
The last few weeks I have been feeling the need to take some time away, possibly a sabbatical of sorts. Just some time for God and me away from the day-to-day rush of life and all its distractions and busyness. Looking back on photos from the trip today that I just “happened” to run across brought back some wonderful memories.That in itself was a great blessing but it also brought a revelation! As nice as it is to run away for a time of rest and revelation or rest and recuperation, that is not really what we are called to do. Please don’t misunderstand, there is nothing wrong with those times of refreshing. However, we can experience them even in the midst of even the most hectic of days just like we did on our trip. Most days we were on the go 12 hours plus coming back, getting cleaned up, dinner and after dinner walks, laundry, etc. Still, God found many occasions to speak through the Holy Spirit, through our fellow sojourners; our guides; through nature and even the rain;and through the Land of the Bible. I also thought of the mighty rushing waters in Dan, one of the headwaters of the Jordan river. Here was one of the most peaceful places that I have ever experienced, yet the rushing waters were thunderous and the loudest I have ever heard. Still His still small voice was there and very audible.
As the day wore on, I was listening to a friend as she was speaking of how sometimes when we are working in a small or tight place, we must de-clutter and make room, then the work can actually take place! Another friend wisely said today, not knowing about my journey down memory lane or dreams of a retreat, “it is God, not the place where we are that is important”. Bottom line, God is always speaking to us either through His Word, His Holy Spirit, through the words of others. The million dollar question, will we daily de-clutter and listen?
Living in His Grace 
Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any points for first-time blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
I am so sorry the first comment didn’t come through. Thanks for your kind words, I am fairly new to blogging, I suppose my suggestion would be to write from the heart and about the things you are passionate about. When you begin writing just let it flow, you can make corrections and worry about grammar after your draft is finished. I find I loose my rhythm if I correct as I go. One friend has suggested that readers prefer entries that are short enough that they do not have to scroll down the page, but I find hard to follow through with. I am still learning and have actually picked up a good used book to help with Word Press that I am looking forward to beginning. I hope this is helpful and happy blogging!!!