Week II - Day 6 - Solitude - The Evening Review

One daughter and her dog have returned to the nest, another daughter and her husband are due in tomorrow.  My youngest daughter and her two children have been here for dinner.  The kids are ecstatic to have not one but two dogs to play with...even though Sophie is less than enthusiastic regarding her guest.

Watching and listening to the chatter, the laughing, and barking...I felt a deep sense of blessing and peace.

I heard a song today by Casting Crowns.  It may or may not be a new song, I had not heard it before and...I liked the message.  Glorious Day - Casting Crowns

Yesterday I reminded myself that transformation is a life long journey...with no set timetable.  I couldn't help but smile when I noticed that word "timetable" in today's prayer.  Evidently others struggle with the same delusion that this journey toward wholeness is a race.

Journey/Race

Sometimes I wonder if God ever feels like pulling his hair out as I stumble along this journey or if he just smiles and says, "That's my girl!"

Solitude speaks to my heart.  I recognize I have a deep need to go away...and I do not see anything except a crowded calendar.

I counted up this morning that I have seven people right now asking if I have XYZ prepared....that is seven different XYZs.

And then there is the rest of my work, my family, and maybe "me".  Some are amazed I am keeping up with The Cup of Life. I think it may be my saving grace.

So, what am I to do?

God is calling me to solitude and I recognize my need for that solitude, just as I also recognize I have over committed...again. This isn't a surprise, I have been aware of the fact for some time.  I guess I was hoping it would fix itself.

For now, my few minutes in the morning, and again in the evening will have to suffice as my time of solitude and I will jealousy guard these moments of my day.

Secondly, I will work through all these various commitments to the best of my ability.

Thirdly, I am not taking on any new projects.  As I complete something, that does not mean I have space again to say, "Yes."

I am on a journey.

This is a journey toward life and it is worth the time and the effort.  It is worth being uncomfortable at times, because other times there will be wonderful joy.

1. How open or aware was I to the presence of God in my day?
2. What kind of nourishment did I receive? What kind of nourishment did I give?
3. Does anything need to be emptied out in order for me to be at peace tonight?
4. For what do I thank God as I prepare to enter into sleep?


I am beginning to gain a great appreciation for these questions.  I even find myself during the day thinking, "Oh, that is something you will want to reflect on this evening."

I will never be as "spiritual" as Joyce Rupp or any other great teacher and that is okay because I am Sandi...not someone else. God has gifted me...he has gifted each one of us and has called each one of us by name. We are his...and that is really as good as it gets!

This has been a good day and tomorrow....with my daughters around, promises to be another.  I thank God for that blessing.

Prayers and blessings for you...and for me....to have a restful and peaceful rest.

Many Blessings ~ Sandi