Ending My Retreat in Alabama

As I move from my one-month personal retreat in Alabama I want to reflect briefly on my time here.

I have benefited very much from having the time to just slow down, get my work out of my head, let go of the on-going drive and demands of being a pastor, begin to do some inner work on my spirit and direction of ministry, read lots of books and articles, devotional material and spiritual renewal resources, listen to the waves and to God's still speaking voice and allow things to surface in my own life and soul that I have not been able to see in a long time. 

This month has provided the time to let go of the day to day of being a pastor.  Now I am ready to begin some deeper inner work, reflection, and discernment around my ministry and my role as pastor.

While I was at my personal retreat there were some wonderful people I met along the way I'd like to thank.  They are:

Terri who was my Yoga instructor and on staff at the registration desk.  I'm grateful for her willingness to work with me - a newbie to yoga - for her openness, laugh, smile and fun spirit.

Pastor Ellen Sims and the congregation of Open Table United Church of Christ in Mobile.

Darryl (my Chiropractor) and his assistant Alisha.  Thanks for your hospitality and help in my time of great pain and need.  Bless you for taking a "walk-in" or should I say, "crawl in".

Darrell and Catherine who gave us a ride back to the ferry.  Thanks for the tour around the island and the great conversation about life and faith.  And also the ferry worker who gave us a ride to the restaurant when we were so hungry.  Such southern hospitality!

Catherine and Darrell

Beth, our server at Tacky Jack's, waaaaaaaay fun and a great server.

The woman at Tacky Jack's who we talked to for over an hour about all kinds of things.  It was great to just be regular people with you.  Too fun.

And to my retreat companion, Rev. Pat, who shared with me joys, sorrows, tears, struggles and affirmations of ministry and being a pastor.

Thanks be to God!