Plan B

By Brenda Jank

We have been taking a look back at some of our early, foundational posts because we believe in the timeless wisdom. This short note was written in May 2013. It seems to be a perfect fit for January 2021. 

I am on retreat today. It is a defensive retreat based on a breaking heart, diminishing returns and the beginning of an intense season of ministry for my family. (We run a Christian summer camp.) My afternoon retreat was going to take place at a city park beside a small lake with a trip to a favorite coffee shop at some point.

Instead, I’m working on Plan B, my retreat is taking place in the hospital room of my 19 year old son, who got admitted last night. It’s Josh’s 69th night in the hospital over the last 9 ½ months. We are in a long-haul, very hard season.

In my life – again and again – the power, peace and Presence of God is most fully accessed in a quiet hour off the beaten path – no matter where I am and what’s going on.

I will give you treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. Isaiah 45: 3

Today my quiet hour will begin in Psalm 107:23-32.

When the time comes for you to slip away for an hour or a day sometime this month, this article, Alone With the One Who Knows Your Name, may bless you as you launch onto holy ground.  

How do you make the most of ‘Plan B’ situations?

Note: This post is part of our original series on rest. We are re-posting some of our favorite articles because we believe they are just as important today as ever. We hope to encourage and inspire you and those you love and lead to REST WELL through this time of COVID-19 crisis, comeback, and recovery. Onward!

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