I have been absent lately for a couple of reasons.

The one I’m comfortable sharing, is that I spent last week with my husband doing some online classes for the non profit that we operate here in our town.

It was an amazing time of learning, with some really diverse group of folks; all colorful, and wise in their own rights.

The other reason, bothers me to consider.

Just a little.

I enjoy encouraging others, and being someone they can look up to, and to be a soft place to land for those who need it.

So here is the truth; It snuck up on me.

You would think that with all the extra hours, I could do enormous amounts of work.

But, I found myself exhausted in my mind and in my body.

My doctor is helping me with the physical part.

My heart and mind had run amuck, and needed to go back to a different place.

I’ll tell you, it is a place of worship.

Intentionally.

On purpose.

Every day.

I am slowly getting back in touch with my own self.

Regardless of news headlines.

Regardless of what others think of it.

I am as resistant to change as anyone I know, but I must return to keeping my eyes on the Holy Trinity.

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

In them alone my thoughts, words and deeds must be centered.

Only then can the joy of the Lord be my strength. (Nehemiah 8:10b)

I want to be able to encourage again.

I want to be able to on the front row when people need a little support.

People need strong arms and hands to help them these days.

I want to be that.

So, I am on my way back.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Matthew 9:36-38 (ESV)

Until next time …