Soul food...

When we go away to seek personal refreshment and renewal for ministry, we really go AWAY! I take down time very seriously - not in an obsessive, I must DO everything possible type of vacation - but rather it must nourish body, spirit and mind. Most of the time, this requires that we "get outta Dodge" because while we love folk in our church, not everybody understands the dual relationships we have. In fact, some don't comprehend how tiring it is for two introverts to be "on" when we are making connections in town.

So, we've learned it is essential to get away from time to time - and that means we REALLY get away.  Right now we're wrapping up our last night in Portland, ME - a great new get away - that I am certain we'll revisit.  The weather has been stunning - sunny in the 60s (F) - so we've had time to walk and stroll and watch people.  We've had time to sip tea, eat crepes, browse book stores and see what the local art museum contains (right now a wonderful exhibit once owned by William Paley of modernist and impression paintings from Europe.)

Part of these periodic sojourns into self-care involve time for Dianne and me to

talk - most weeks we take off a Sabbath day together - and that is refreshing. But we rarely have extended periods to share what's going on in our souls so these get aways make a huge difference.  There's lots of listening, too when we don't have to rush to be heard.  Walking by the water is refreshing. Comparing observations in the art museum helps me better understand what she finds beautiful and inspirational. And sitting quietly at a cafe watching God's humanity parade, limp, strut and saunter by gives us time to return thanks for the blessings we have in our current life.

So now we're off for another evening stroll and a little more exploring.  It has been food for my soul to say nothing of my body and mind.