May 17, 2008
I have been without reliable internet access for a couple of weeks now, so that explains my lack of blogging and responding to emails, etc. We’re ending our transitional time in Togo and beginning our transitional time in the States so that we can transition back to living here in November. Do you notice a recurring theme here?
Last week we came down to Ghana and went to Coconut Grove for an excellent retreat with other West African missionaries. While there, it occurred to me the real value of a true vacation. The retreat was structured so that the mornings were spent in sessions and the afternoons were left open to relax and play, then we had some time set aside for worship each evening. We took advantage of the afternoons by playing with our girls on the beach, then we’d move to a tide pool, then we’d go to the pool, and sometimes take a break to nap or read. What really impacted me during our afternoons of free time was the very rare experience of actually living in the present moment. We had nowhere we had to go, nothing we had planned to do, just doing whatever we pleased whenever we pleased. I didn’t have to worry about our next meal, we just had to go to the dining area at the designated time and it would be waiting.
Most of our lives are spent planning for the future, even in small subtle ways. If I set aside time to play with my girls, I’m always cognizant of how much time I have to do that because there is something else I will have to get done at sometime. If I allow myself time to just sit and read, or study my Bible, pray, read and write email, almost anything, I’m always doing those things with a part of my mind watching the clock and preparing myself to take on my next responsibility when the time comes. It’s just part of life. I don’t really think there’s a way to avoid it, but I’m more convinced than ever that a good vacation/retreat (not the kind that is packed with a full agenda) is almost imperative to functioning well.
