Because: A Missionary-Pastor's Guide to Getting Away

"Because so many people were coming and going that they didn't even have a chance to eat, Jesus said to His disciples, "Come away with Me by yourselves to a quiet place, and get some rest."  Mark 6:31

It's June so it's time to get to the cottage.

At least, that's been my go-to for the majority of my adult life, both as I was raising kids and then later as I was pastoring a church.  Cross the finish line of a school or ministry season, then head off to that solitary place where life is quieter, simpler, off the radar.

Because ....so many people coming and going.

And now? Now that I'm a missionary-pastor?

I find the people part to still be true.  But the lines of life and ministry are less defined.

Because.

Pastoral work can be Canadian-seasonal.  Missionary work is not.

Working from "Home" has its pros and cons.

With greater freedom comes greater responsibility.

Even so, we're embracing God's good gift of a home by the water, heading away on Sunday afternoon to figure it out and go with the flow.

So.  Just to be clear, because....expectations are real.

I am taking time away from my non-MIR volunteer roles at Highview (helping to plan Sunday morning services, pastoral care involvement) from June 18 to September 3.  I've made special arrangements with my mentoring relationships for the same period of time.  I've let all the folks I'm accountable to know this.

Most of July will be absorbed with final plans of the July trip, prepping lessons and sermons, and making sure we have the books, supplies and Sponsors' packets packed and weighed to take with us.

Ken and I will be travelling together to Thailand from July 25 to August 8.  During this visit we will be holding meetings for the Management Committee of NFF, working with Suradet and Yupa to plan for both their visit to Canada in October and a Team from Highview travelling to Hot Springs in November, helping with the ESL and English Reading initiative with our children there, teaching Bible Lessons each evening, preaching on Sundays, and any other ministry that presents itself while we are there. Communicating with everyone back home is also a high priority.  We'll be busy, don't worry.

August will see us home for a week to recover from jet lag.  I am preaching at Highview on August 13.  We will return to the cottage to finish out the month, following up on the work generated by our visit.  And then, before you know it, it will be the Labour Day weekend when we will be back in the city again.

Somewhere in all of that there is time booked to spend with grandchildren (and their parents) at the cottage.  And hopefully a week or so to completely unplug and just, well, rest.

Because.

Even with the lines less defined, the cottage is a place where life is quieter, simpler and off the radar.

Because.

(whispered) Jesus' invitation is just so compelling.  

Are you kidding me?  

I need to be with Him by myself in a quiet place and get some rest.  

I just do.