Alan Fadling: Notes from my Unhurried Journey

Today, I had the treat of leading a day retreat for leaders from a couple of churches up here in the San Francisco Bay area. We took advantage of beautiful little retreat house in a canyon outside of Castro Valley. I was encouraged as nearly 50 came to participate.

During the day, a few meaningful thoughts came in the midst of sharing with this group to prepare them for three or four hours of unhurried time with God.

First, many of us would feel overwhelmed by the idea of spending three or four hours in prayer. It may even sound exhausting. On the other hand, few of us would feel overwhelmed by the opportunity to spend three or four hours with our favorite person. Our perspective determines whether we see prayer as something I do, or someone I am with.

Next, I was encouraged to think of our day not just as a day for us to be alone with God, but a day God was looking forward to be with us. We can make ourselves available to be with God in whatever way He wishes. In such a time, we seek to let go of our worries, our plans, our to do list, and even the questions we have for God. We seek to offer this day as time to simply be with Him. We learn that God is deeply pleased to have your full attention.

Finally, it struck me that ministry and service is first who we are before it is what we do. And who we are is shaped and enriched by communion with God. This is so very simple, but so easy to overlook.