The Walk to the Water Gardens

A few times a year I try to break away for a time of solitude and prayer. Such times help me to refocus and gain some much-needed perspective on life. Sort of like climbing to the top of a high hill and being able to see the lay of the land below.

The Rose Wall

A few weeks ago I had the chance to break away for a day a prayer at Longwood Gardens just outside of Chadds Ford PA.

My son and I arrived at Longwood after a late breakfast.  We walked the gardens together through lunch time and then he headed off to work leaving me with a six-hour block of time to read the Bible and pray.

Joe at the waterfall

Lately I have felt a bit overwhelmed by the scope of work I see God opening up before me. I brought many of my concerns about my own ability to Him that day. In response He took me to the words of Hebrews Chapter 11

” Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ² This is what the ancients were commended for.”Heb. 11:1

The Webb House in the Meadow Garden

As I pondered how I should address my current responsibilities in faith I took a long walk through the meadow garden.  During the course of that walk I stumbled upon this sign.

I realized then, that every time I begin to get a handle on the pace of life the pace of life seems to quicken. The answer I was left with was to rest in the flow.  God also reminded that I am not alone in the boat. If the work is increasing then the labor force has to increase as well.

The night is coming on fast and there is still much to do. God showed me that while I might see a corner piece of some of that work even that much is not mine to do. I don’t have to do everything I see, only those things I see my Father doing.

When my son met me at 9 that evening I felt ready to take on these new challenges facing me in ministry.

When was the last time you took a day to pray and get your bearings? What has the Lord been telling you in your prayer time??