Cindy Powell

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. —Luke 5:16

Jesus knew when he needed time alone with God.

I’m still learning.

But, thank the Lord,  I am learning. And one of the things I’m learning is to pay attention to the gentle wooing of the Holy Spirit. I’m learning to pay attention when there is a particular grace and a particular invitation for a particular season.

I’m learning to pay attention when he is inviting me to come away.

This one of those times.

I’m not sure why. I’m not sure why now? Why try to slow down as we enter one of the busiest times of the year? Why pull back when it seems like there is so much need and so much to do? I don’t know why–I just know who is asking …

And he’s calling me to come away.

So that’s what I’m doing. I’m drawing away to a quiet place; to a ‘lonely’ place. To a place where blogs, and the internet, and smartphones, and social media are not quite such a high priority.  Instead, my priority will be resting — refreshing — re-evaluating — reconnecting and realigning with his heart and purposes for this next season.

I’m not unplugging or disconnecting completely–I’m just accepting the freedom he’s offering and not committing to writing new posts each week. In fact, I’m not committing to much of anything right now …

Except seeking his face.

I want to do this. My heart is craving more time in his presence. Time without a goal or deadline or agenda. But this isn’t just something I want to do–it’s something I need to do.  It’s something I need to do–because I need him.

I need to come away.

I need to come away to rediscover the joy of the season. I need to come away to rediscover the joy of my salvation. I need to come away to rediscover the joy of my calling.

Mostly I need come away to rediscover the joy of just being his. 

For some reason, that simple joy has been difficult to find in recent months. That’s not okay. And I’m not okay with it not being okay.

So I’m doing something about it. I’m coming away. I’m coming away with him. I’m coming away from just a bit of my regular busyness. I’m coming away from some of my regular commitments, to focus on my greatest commitment  … my greatest calling … my greatest privilege …

Just being his.

I can’t think of a better way to finish out the year.

Lord, thank you for your invitations. Thank you for inviting us–for inviting me–to come away. I just want to say yes, Lord–without hesitation; without reservation–I just want to say yes. I just want to come away. I just want to come away to be with you. Thank you for the simple joy of being yours, now … and forevermore.  ~Amen.