Talk to Me, God

As a junior in college, I heard an inspirational sermon on spending time alone with God. I'd developed some spiritual routines, but I had never spent a whole day with God alone. So I thought I'd try.

I loaded up my guitar, Bible and journal and headed off to a cabin in the woods. After settling in, I sat on a picnic table, strummed my guitar and sang a few worship tunes. Twenty-five minutes later, I pulled out my Bible and journal. I stared at the blank page and decided to write a prayer dedicating the time to God. I asked God to speak to me.

Then I waited.

After an hour and half, I started thinking about all the things I had to do back on campus. I had a paper to write, and finals were right around the corner. The truth is I got bored. I had no idea what to do. I realized very quickly that 24 hours alone with God is a very long time indeed.

Four hours later, I was on my way back to campus.

Another try

That is how my retreat routine started. But I didn't give up. Spending extended time alone with God is worth it. In fact, the harder I work and the busier my life becomes, the more important it is for me to spend refreshing time alone with God.

Last year I turned 50. This was a big one for me. Turning 30 and 40 didn't seem to bother me much, but turning 50 touched something delicate inside. I am glad I stayed faithful to a retreat routine, because I needed to hear from God on aging.

On my retreat I sensed that my discomfort with turning 50 came from the realization that I have more of my life behind me than in front of me. Yet God showed me that as a result of my years and experiences, I was in a great position to help younger believers on their journey. This realization stirred a new plan for my second half: to strategically pour into others. Today I have a renewed vision that I thought was reserved for guys in their 30s.

No excuses

As I talk about my retreats with others, their biggest hindrance is finding the time. They chide me and say, "Oh yeah, you're a pastor; you have the luxury of getting away." But the truth is I have done this since my days as a college minister with a growing family. Even my wife, with little ones at home, found a way to take retreats.

In a world overwhelmed with activity, it is hard to take time to listen. It's in the quiet that God gives gifts of wisdom, connection and purpose. Listening to God is critical for a fulfilled life — even if it starts slowly. If you can only eke out four hours, it's a good start.