A Writer’s Dream!

Words can’t really begin to describe the contentment that has flooded my soul… leaving behind imperfections for perfection.

It was the first weekend of the new year. I had scheduled a few days off the coming week purposely to hopefully stay home and work on my writing…and with any “luck”, enjoy a little snow!

Before the weekend approached, I had noticed an email from one of my favorite spots to stay in Amish Country. Although, I had only stayed there one other time, it quickly became a favorite that is not easy to obtain. This email sent prices to a throwback of 1999! I still decided that I wanted to stay home and do my thing there. After all, sickness had invaded the evening of Christmas, leaving me at this point in time, with Christmas décor that still needed to be taken down. I did think, however, that I would grab a few days for my husband and myself to enjoy that special deal.

When I called to check if any rooms were available, the only time available were the exact days that I had off! I did not reserve right away because, you see, I, myself, am very reserved. I do not like to make hasty decisions often. Not only that, but I am a planner, and I already had plans to stay home. I got off the phone and talked it over with my husband. He said, “Go, have fun.” Could I really do that?!

I had actually wanted to have a personal/writing retreat for some time. But, to actually do it, I had not. I did wonder if this might be the time set aside for me to take that step. I called back and made the reservations – still with my own reservations, of course! I did not actually make the final decision to go until the very afternoon that I was to leave – pack and leave! But, I did it…granted, with a few nerves in hand – but I did it…and with no regrets, I might add!

On most days, the coffee was lacking, but the company was not. You see, this was also a time of corporate fasting for my church…skipping one meal a day for three weeks. So, along with my time alone to plan, write, prepare for the new year, and process thoughts without much interruption, it was also time with God.

Quiet time is precious. For someone like me, it is pertinent. If I had to guess, I would say that you are not so much unlike me that you do not need some quiet time, too. You may not need the same amount of quiet as I do. I am very much an introvert which basically translates that I gain more energy from time alone as opposed to gaining it from being around others. I most definitely need that time of fellowship – and want it; however, I become more drained if my alone time is not intact, as well. But, you may be more of an extrovert, where, in fact, you gain more energy from being around others than from being alone. I have no doubt, however, that just as I need regular times of interaction, you, my friend, need alone time every now and then…maybe not quite as often, nor as lengthy, but quiet time, nonetheless.

The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God!…””

Be still.

Being still can be challenging if our schedules are crammed, or we are constantly surrounded by people. In my case, when I am around people, especially my family or people I am comfortable with, I like to talk. I am often sharing my thoughts, talking about my day, or explaining myself. It can get exhausting. So my alone time must be intentional.

A few years back, my career was in a field that literally sapped me mentally and physically. I knew that I had to intentionally get up and have my alone time\devotional time with God. I had known for a long time that morning devotions were best for me, but sometimes, when life gets busy, we feel that we need every second to check off our lists. In reality, I needed this time to gain the extra strength to carry on. Eventually, before leaving that path, I would even steal away at lunch and pull strength from the scriptures.

I still love that morning time alone with God to read His Word and absorb, but there can still be a difference when it comes to being still. Quieting our minds is no easy task, but sometimes, as my pastor has mentioned, we need to create space. I think creating the space to allow the time to be still is the key…taking a moment (or two – or a few) to sit at His feet…even rest in Him. It can be a life changer.

As I finish up my first personal retreat, I had planned to scat out before dawn (not reading my Bible as I had done daily), rushing back home to my imperfectly-left house and maybe start on taking down those Christmas decorations; but instead, I sit here by the fire, watching it snow (yes, snow!!), typing these thoughts…and so glad that I slowed down, sat at His feet, and left my imperfections for a perfect dream-come-true.