Long Talk….

As I approach day 42 of my sabbatical, i have learned the importance of retuning to the familiar, hoeing weeds from my flowerbeds. This activity takes focus, persistence. I really thought at age 56 I would be done hoeing weeds. Little did I know, that this simple activity would not only replenish my weary soul, but transport me back to the familiar, summers spent in the middle of a cotton field.

Each summer, I would return to spend time with grandparents, and hoe cotton. I remember waking up and the cotton row, focused on looking for the pesky Johnson grass or morning glory. I loved the taste of cool, refreshing water from the water-cooler that had been drawn from cistern beside my grandparents home. If we were really lucky, we would see an Oldsmobile car making its way to the field with homemade fudge for an afternoon snack. To this day, I love the smell of a freshly plowed field, and find satisfaction in gazing across my freshly mowed yard, as if I am a farmer looking across my field.

The work that has taken place the last 42 days is somewhat like hoeing weeds out of the cotton fields. There’s lots of cutting, weeding, digging and planting taking place with my weary soul. Hoes, shovels and racks have been replaced with prayer, reflection, rest, and soul-oriented conversation with trusted friends/professionals. Just as the cotton stalks are able to grow and flourish after the weeds have been removed, the beauty of our souls are restored as we spend time with our Creator by refreshing streams.

I have discovered in just 42 days that slowness remembers and hurry forgets; that surrender remembers and fear forgets. Juan Ramon Jiminez says, “What can I do to always remember who I really am?” For me, it’s about making time and space for the familiar, anticipating what God is preparing to do within me the next 50 days.

Best of All, God is with Us

Tom