Time Away

Date 3.6.08

Our ship has finally come in!  After 7 days at sea we are walking on solid ground again.  It is so strange because it still feels like everything is moving underneath me.  I keep waiting for the cruise director to get on the loud speaker to tell me what my options are for the day.   The only problem with her was that she would come on so early, usually around 11am in the morning.  

The best part of our trip by far was being together with my mom on her 60th birthday.  It was an experience that I know none of us will soon forget.  Ok, so I won’t forget those all inclusive meals with appetizers a main course and dessert at the end.   Looks like Deb is going to have to work a little harder around the house…. Just kidding Deb!

It was a well needed spiritual break as well, one where I was able to spend some much needed time with our God in some very solitary peaceful places.  What amazing times of intimacy I was able to have in the middle of the ocean in the wee hours of the night.  It was a time where nothing but stars are visible as far as the eye could see.  I was amazed with wonder but filled with fear at the same time.  I remember thinking if someone pushed me over I would never be heard from or seen again.  Then to think about how lonely I would feel out there in the darkness all alone.

I was instantly filled with the idea that this is what being separated from God for eternity must feel like.  Because of that I had some great walk across the room experiences with literally 20 to 30+ people that turned into conversations about Christ.

I love it when God gives us “Ah-Ha” moments like that that just seem to hit us like a ton of bricks.  Of course I had plenty of moments where my brain was just mush but not until the end of the trip.  It seems like it usually takes me about 4-5 days to shut off and by the time I do it seems like the vacation is over. 

I am so looking forward to hitting the ground running this week we have a few big sundays in store this month with a lot of planning involved.  I hope you are all excited and taking opportunities to walk across the room this week!