Engaged Fall Retreat contd.

They don't call it a retreat for nothing. It was great getting out of the city and being reminded of some great truths. I often leave events like this past weekend feeling rejuvenated and more in tune with God and what He would have for me. Sunday morning, the Don talked about what happens when we return to 'the City' - back to the grind of work, school, family/friends and other everyday things. I loved what he said, that our walk of faith won't always have the feeling of being at a retreat - when things are good and we're really in-tune with God.

We've all been there where we've had a 'spiritual high' and then a couple weeks later that high has diminished. That's because being in a relationship with God is real. It's not a fairy-tale love story all the time. There are times when our hearts seem to beat right along with the very rhythm of His heart. Then there are times where we feel distant and out of touch. The beautiful truth that Don talked about this weekend is that we're the ones that have gone out on a walk but God's always waiting at home. Paralleling with the theme of this blog, our relationship with God is more than the moment. It's not a feeling but a commitment.

With that commitment comes hard work to keep the relationship alive and healthy. If I can be open and honest I'd tell ya there's no way my relationship with my wife would survive if I treated her the same way I treat God. Even when my walk of faith seems to be really good - when I'm spending at least an hour a day really diving into scripture and praying - could you imagine me only giving Lindsey an hour of my day? Wouldn't last...I have to be creative and let her know how much I love her - not just by telling her but by showing her. My love for her is proved in my actions.

It's good to have a plan - to be creative and have certain things you do in order to strengthen your spiritual life. Sure there are always your 'quiet times' for scripture and prayer but one of the ways I strive to keep my relationship with God healthy and alive is simple things like this blog. For me, this blog is accountability. I want to be able to share what God's doing in my life on a continuous basis - so I'm constantly looking for God in everyday things. Perhaps in a song, a conversation or a Texas sunset. I find Him there and ask Him to teach me or reveal a new side of Him I didn't know existed. For you, it might be journaling or writing a song or going through a book with a friend - an accountability partner if you will. Something that keeps you accountable to continue to live life intentionally and with purpose in your pursuit of God and what he would have for you.

Sometimes it's rather easy and beautiful and other times it's hard and mundane. But stay committed knowing what He has is best. In Mark Batterson's book, Wild Goose Chase, he mentions we should 'pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on us.' I love that - stay in tune with God by continually being honest and open with Him and then work as hard as you can to live on mission and in-line with our beautiful Love and His teachings.