Making Room for a Fresh Start
I wanted to let you know that my soul is feeling the need for a sabbatical. A time to rest. A season to learn. An interlude when “being” is more important than “doing.” Today’s post will be the final one I write until Monday, May 11th . I hope you’ll enjoy these few thoughts and recent photos Ron took during a photo excursion to the Palouse region, which included Palouse Falls, a geological wonder in Washington State.
… you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction. (Psalm 23:3 MSG)
I had a boss who often wisely advised, “Take care of YOU.” There are times when the road ahead feels somewhat foggy, our souls need a little extra care, and stopping to catch our breath is all right!
This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves, … “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! … (Isaiah 43:19-21 MSG)
I mentioned in earlier posts that Ron and I are planning a trip to the British Isles in April/May, which will include vacation time as well as a week-long pilgrimage on the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne. Preparing for this experience will be part of my focus during the sabbatical.
It fascinates me to realize how the God of the Universe who Scripture says, “never changes,” remaining the “same yesterday, today, and forever,” still works within current cultures to bring about “something brand-new.”
One of my favorite descriptions of God is that God is both infinite and intimate, or as I read recently, “God is not an idea, a doctrine, or a dogma. God is Personal Boundless Being, filling all places but not spread thin, big enough to be attentive to every little thing.” (Renovaré Weekly, February 13, 2026, Letter by Brian Morykon.)
God, make a fresh start in me …
(Psalm 51:10 MSG)
Lent began yesterday. Lent is the season—approximately six weeks—in the Christian year leading to Easter. It is a time of self-reflective pondering as well as increased sacred practices. During Lent, we prepare for Good Friday when Jesus died on a cruel cross. And then, we anticipate the joyful promise of Easter Sunday when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, His victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life.
(Note: Although I am not a lover of rodents, I appreciated the pensive posture of this little Palouse Falls Marmot!)
Blessings to each of you, and I look forward to reconnecting in May!
