Unexpected Sabbath Time

Well, here we sit in the  gate area for our flight out of San Antonio, and it has been delayed --twice. As it is, we will not get home until after midnight. At least, we will not miss a connecting flight. So my question for myself is how do I use this unexpected delay as sabbath—a time when I can be especially aware of how God sets me free, and asks me to participate in setting others free?

I can choose my attitude during this time. I already have a full day ahead tomorrow, so I could fret about it, but I am choosing simply to accept it. I choose to hold those around me in a holy space of praying for them. I do not know their needs, or what might bind them, but I pray to the One who knows them intimately, and who seeks to be in a healing relationship with each one.

I also hold you in prayer—in the presence of the One who knows you intimately, and seeks to be in healing relationship with you.

Ephesians 3:16-17
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.

Island Time

Beach time is slow time, or at least it moves at its own pace. This time at the beach has certainly had a different pace.

Having been introduced to Ocracoke by a college friend, I in turn introduced Jeff to this lovely island. We always camped during our early times here. Since the main campground is part of the National Seashore, there was a semi-primitive nature to it, especially in the early days when we had to use latrines and boil our water before drinking it or cooking with it. Over the years, a few amenities were added. The cold showers still operate by a pull chain, but at least they have doors. Once the island upgraded its water system and the campground was connected, real indoor bathrooms were added. There are still no water or electrical hookups at each campsite. No generators are allowed over ten p.m. because of noise restrictions.


When the boys came along, we still came to camp almost every year. We had upgraded from a tent to a VW popup camper, then to an honest-to-goodness popup trailer. We tried one more time of tent camping in  ’06 or ‘07, but a nor’easter blew in and snapped our tent poles. We rented cottages from time to time, and stayed in various motels here on the island.

Our rhythm of life here was fairly consistent. We went to the beach early to avoid the heat, coming back in to the campsite, cottage or motel around lunchtime when we took showers and ate. When the boys were little, after nap time we would stroll around the village in the shops, getting ice cream for a treat, buy our groceries and the ever-needed ice for our cooler. In the evenings, we would talk walks on the beach. Over time, we got to know a couple of the islanders. We especially enjoyed our talks with Philip. He and Jeff would cover many topics.

The last time we came with Jeff, he did some of the activities but mainly stayed inside reading and journaling. Max and I would roam around the shops. This time, Max and I are in a cottage on Back Road. His friend Neil is with us. The guys have rented bikes and keep their own schedule mostly. The flow of my time is more gentle than ever. I walked on the beach, staying out of the water mostly because of the numerous sharks close in to the coast this year. Most evenings I go to one of the offerings on the island. On Monday, I saw A Tale of Blackbeard, a great offering by community theater. Last night, I enjoyed the songs and stories at the Ocrafolk Opry. Tonight, I will go hear Molasses Creek, a trio. I have had time to talk with our friends Philip and Lou Ann. Next time I come to this magical place, it may well be by myself, or with friends. And a new rhythm will unfold.

The picture was taken last night at the Opry during the final number, I’ll Fly Away. I don't need to fly away to find a piece of heaven. Ocracoke is one my thin places where I come to reconnect with water and rest, and spend time soaking in God’s renewing rhythms of life.

Seeking a State of Non-Equilibrium

I took this picture this week. I think that anyone who has done moving, rearranging, downsizing, or just plain cleaning can appreciate.   It sums up a simple truth: clearing out chaos often creates new chaos on the way to new order.

How often do I feel that the chaos of life seems overwhelming! I work to clean up an area. In the process, I create a new mess. Then I have to figure out what to do with the new mess. I confess that sometimes I am so overwhelmed that I throw my hands up in defeat—at least for the moment. I have to walk away and leave it, sometimes hoping that it will have rearranged itself in my absence. That has never happened, but I can hope.

Change can feel the same way, even when it is for something “good,” but especially when it is for something we did not ask for or want. We would rather that we could find balance or equilibrium. In considering the latter, Margaret Wheatley checked its definition in the American Heritage Dictionary: “Equilibrium. 1. A condition in which all acting influences are canceled by others resulting in a stable, balanced, or unchanging system. 2. Physics. The condition of a system in which the resultant of all acting forces is zero.”[i] Stable, balanced, unchanging? The result of all acting forces is zero? She writes, “I don’t believe it is a desirable state for an organization. Quite the contrary. I’ve observed the search for organizational equilibrium as a sure path to institutional death, a road to zero trafficked by fearful people.”[ii]

Too much of life is spent looking for equilibrium—stability—in the misguided hope that we can stave off something that is uncomfortable, or distressing. Maybe that is death, or at least loss. What if instead of trying to protect ourselves from death, or loss, or change, we take a risk and step out into the adventure that is life with God.

Wheatley would agree. “They don’t sit quietly by as their energy dissipates. They don’t seek equilibrium. Quite the opposite. To stay viable, open systems maintain a state of non-equilibrium, keeping themselves off balance so that the system can change and grow. They participate in an open exchange with their world, using what is there for their own growth.”[iii]

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[i] Wheatley, Margaret J. (2006-09-01). Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World (Kindle Locations 1251-1253). Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Kindle Edition.

[ii] Wheatley, (Kindle Locations 1256-1257). 

[iii] Wheatley, (Kindle Locations 1283-1286).

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going.