Sweet Relief

The above image is from the Tulsa Women Veteran Retreat last year.  It was like a spiritual homecoming and military-family reunion.  It was sweet relief for those of us gathered that day.  There is a similar sweet relief in the home stretch of a long day, or that sense of nearly-home after travels, even the simple bliss of clean sheets and good pillows...

How might it be when we really get Home, with the spiritual-family we have in Christ since before we were born?  When those who march to Heaven's drum are finally assembled to cadence in the place our souls yearn to go, it will be joy unmatched; and the retreat will never end.

Jotting with Johnna

• Are you weary from the battles you've faced?
• Do you know the way Home?
• How do you find sweetness in your everyday?
• What might it look like for your overall wellness if you intentionally built some kind of sweet relief into your routines?
• List ten things that bring you relief, joy, calm, heart-fullness and visit that list when you need "something" to relieve your mind, refresh your body, restore your soul, or replenish your spirit.

Remember:  you are so very worthy of the forethought it would take to arrange for yourself times of retreat; and it might just keep you from resorting to unhelpful options.  Try it.  Psalm 23 tells us that the Lord, in His goodness, causes us to lie down in green pastures, leads us to still waters...He is a God who brings rest, sweetness, and retreat.

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.