Last night I worked on planting 4 trees on our little 4 acre place. It’s all grass (that’s why I needed the zero turn mower) and desperately needs some trees. Michelle puts them where she wants them (Yes I really am whipped) and then I plant them. Good times. A change I notice happening in me is that more and more, I am enjoying “alone” time. Used to be there is no way I plant a tree alone…too quiet…nobody to talk to…what’s up? I’m not sure to be honest and I don’t know that it matters anyway. What’s cool is that I can’t wait to get home tonight and plant some more.
So I am doing all this digging and sweating and I can’t tell you how filthy I manage to get. I’m loving it. One tree and I’m going to knock off and get ready to watch some football…might as well keep going. Soon it’s 8:30 and almost dark…I’m on tree number 4…where is this going? Well, I’m thinking (since there is no one to talk to) and it occurs to me that this is hard work. These trees are so small (code for cheap) and I don’t know if they are going to live, let alone grow! You know Jesus was always lobbing out these agricultural metaphors for spiritual life. Reaping what you sow…the fields are white to harvest.
Spiritually speaking, you could apply this to so many parts of our lives…planting, watering, nurturing…all things that we do when we are in relationship with others. There is something cathartic about getting your hands dirty. Likewise, it’s rewarding when God uses you to touch, encourage, or sharpen someone.
Maybe I am enjoying my alone time more because I am realizing more and more that I am never alone. I can just here the Psalmist saying…if you are on your knees planting a tree…I am with you…
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I have found the importance of being alone. I Fly-fish often just so I can be still. Not long ago I was quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer when interviewed while I was fishing as "Fly-fishing is my get away". Well that was a total misquote. It was more like "as a Believer in Jesus Christ, this is my time for reflection. I find when I am alone without distraction is when the Lord speaks to me. Many things come to my minds eye in these times of silence. The Spirit of God has prompted me many times while fishing. This reminds me of a verse I have always loved, Psa 46:10; Be still, and know that I am God! I will be praised among the nations, I will be praised in the earth.
I love training for long distance running events (5K, 10K, 13.1 miles, etc.) with Team In Training. The group interaction is wonderful, however I find most inspiring thoughts happen during my individual training runs... my "alone" time.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring messages each week, John!
I must add that during hunting season, when I am alone in the woods for hours at a time I get to draw closer to Him as I enjoy this beautiful world he has given us.
Sometimes the times spent alone are equally rewarding as times with freinds and family!
We`rre looking forward to a great Fall at Fellowship!
Thanks Chuck...I believe God smiles when you take your pastor fly-fishing...Reflection is big Bro! Thanks for the feedback and all you have done to help Ryan!
Stephen its good to hear from you again and I hope to see you back this weekend. Look me up if your at the service!
Ray you are the king hunter! You make the rest of us look like whimps bro. Got your e-mail and will be trying to get some more "air-time" for Men Of Ice.
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