More Stretching?!

Hi, everyone!   I arrived safe & sound in Palmer Lake, Colorado this afternoon.  Despite my first plane leaving nearly 90 minutes late from the Shenandoah Regional Airport, both I and my suitcase made all our connections!  

I can tell this is going to be a stretching few weeks.  For those of you who know me well, two of my least favorite things are lack of 'me-time' and surprises.  Within five minutes of arriving, I've had to confront both.  When I arrived, I was told, “You have a roommate”.  I have to admit, after flying across country all day, and wanting nothing more than some time alone, this news was a rather unwelcome surprise!

My roommate just finished college, and is heading to El Salvador to work for at least a year there in a poor village on the side of a volcano.  She seems really sweet, and since we’re both going to Central America, that’s pretty cool.  She also likes to exercise, so that should keep me motivated to work out, too. 

And, since I will be moving into an extended season of living with others, this is a good thing.  But, I would be lying if I didn’t say it’s also going to be a stretch!

Next up, my homework assignment for tonight.  It is a Spiritual Inventory.  This one is going to be even more of a stretch than a roommate.  A month or two ago I could have filled it out and felt pretty happy about the ways I’ve been connecting to Jesus.  But lately, I have to admit I’ve allowed the flurry of activity and the pressing stuff of leaving my job, packing, goodbyes, etc., etc., to draw my focus away from Him. 

I’ve spent a great deal of time and energy talking ABOUT God, but not nearly enough talking WITH Him.  I’m reading my Bible more for information than for connecting.  It’s terrible to have to confess that as I start this time of training for my ministry, I am feeling spiritually dry. 

I praise God, however, that He is not just letting me continue disconnecting.  One of the things that excites me most about this training is that I will have time and space to be filled up once again.  To strengthen my tenuous grasp on the Vine.  But, it’s going to take digging deep and honestly confronting why I’ve been pulling away.  Again, it’s going to be a stretch!

I’m sitting here on the floor of our room in the ‘splits’ position trying to stretch out my legs.  After sitting on planes all day, they feel stiff and sore.  What’s usually easy for me is difficult tonight because my muscles are protesting being made to stretch after being cramped up.  But, I know this stretching is important.  They won't get to feeling better until I do this. 

In the same way, I’ve got to allow the Spirit to stretch my spirit and soul.  I’m so grateful that even though I know it’s not all going to be easy, He is not going to leave me to flounder all alone. 

Okay, enough stalling, Kim!  You and Jesus have some stretching to do… together!