I spent the first couple of days this week at beautiful Canyon Camp at Hinton, Ok. I was there with all the other new pastors in the state and the Board of Ordained Ministry committee. As a new pastor, I am required to write some papers and submit them for review each year. Then this committee reviews my work and asks me questions about it. This year I wrote on the order that we use for worship in my congregation, a Bible study on Genesis and a few other things including a sermon. I am delighted to say that my work was sufficient and I was told to continue serving as a pastor in the United Methodist church.
While I was there, I did not have access to any internet. It was wonderful to be unplugged and soaking up God’s beautiful creation. I went for a hike up the mountain to the cross and then wandered through the woods. I realized that the tightness in my chest was gone for the first time in months. I enjoyed the stillness and soaked up the beauty and wonder of my surroundings. I realized that I needed to hike more in my regular life. My spirit needed this time of communion with God. So often in my life, I don’t take time to “be still, and know that I am God.” I highly suggest it to anyone. If nature isn’t your thing, I suggest you find your thing that stills you spirit. Like nutrients for your body, your spirit needs to be fed.
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