A day off.

Yesterday I took 7 hours off on what turned out to be one of the most beautiful days I could imagine. A friend and I left for Connecticut to pick up blueberry plants. We left early and the Lord Jesus was discussed from beginning to end (minus an omelot order and a stop at a candle company for our wives!). We saw a beautiful hawk, a single turkey, the brilliance of trees and flowers (the forecasting of things to come in Vermont!), and the reminder (at least for me!) of why I do not live in the city!

Jesus took time off. Time away from the incessant questions I am sure the disciples posed to Him. Time away from the followers. He was setting an example. You and I need time (so why do I feel so guilty?) away from the normal times of our life. A break. My wife began work yesterday. She needed a break from the house(translated "me" perhaps!), and certainly it was necessary due to some surprise circumstances. For her, having 8 hours to be with Jesus is dream come true. She is able to perform her job and spend it with the Lord. But, please understand for her it is her break. My wife is a Berean. She will hear something and go research it. She will come home with notes, and fresh insight. Yes, I came home to ringing phones and callers, but I was able to spend some time out of the mold of life. Yes, there were things to do (make supper, clean up, etc.). Yes, there is a building to work on (all the walls are down!-Only have to sheetrock one wall, put some power in, tile a ceiling and clean up! WOW!) and many things to do, but... a break is necessary to our mental health. It's not a retreat, but more frequently a change of pace to clear the winter cobwebs. Sometimes we simply weary from well doing. We spend so much time giving that we minister from an empty (or near empty) vessel.

So if the drain has been on, and you have not been refreshed, even a few hours can set you straight, changing your perspective. Find a quiet place. Go be with Him.

And may I clarify, that I am not one to "take time off", so if this is old revelation for you, it is somewhat new for me. The times I have taken in the last few months are the first in years.

I have learned the value of just getting away from the "office" for a walk.

So if this all seems simple and "why didn't he know this", its okay.

A year ago it was prophesied that I would teach line by line. On Sunday, I took people through the life of Jesus in His last week, and realized I had been (people told me!) over their heads thinking they understood certain truths that were real to me. So I have learned something new.