We just returned from a week of vacation. We spent three nights at a B&B in Michigan. In a conversation at the end of our stay we learned that our host and hostess had spent 15+ years in pastoral ministry – Florida, Ohio and Michigan – Now they are running a B&B. Our conversation was cut short before we could learn more about that transition but I sensed there was some pain and a reluctance to return to that arena. I left with a bit of a heavy heart for them and prayed for their refreshing and renewing.

We spent several days reading on the beach along Lake Michigan. I watched  kayakers, fishermen (saw a 10 year old boy who had just caught a 17 & 14 pound king salmon and two coho salmon), sailors and jet-skiers. Inside I was ready to do it all but this was a vacation for rest. I finished four books and began a fifth. I am thankful for being able to catch up on some reading.

I was able to do my usual running – in fact did a 9 mile run on Saturday. It was a great day to be out and I felt good the entire run. Near the beginning of mile 3 a doe and two fawns crossed my path – actually stood in the road for a few moments before casually walking back into someones lawn. I encountered the same three deer on my return trip. 

I feel rested and am thankful for the time away. I think another week would be good. I fear at the end of another week, I would think another week would be good. The reading will help us continue to evaluate our ministry effectiveness. That is a good thing.

So now it is back to work – Sunday is coming.