The new year has moved quickly for us. At the start of the new year, I know I often have ambitions for things I'd like to accomplish, new practices I'd like to take on, or things I'd like to do differently. As I begin to transition from February to March, I am reflecting on what has happened in 2020 so far and looking ahead to what's ahead and some questions I'm asking myself:

Do you feel that each day is overscheduled? Have you ever had to collect your scattered self so that you could make an important decision? Do you ever lay awake at night thinking about all you have to do? Do you ever ask why your life is so full?

I also asked myself these questions this past summer as I spent some time at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico on a pilgrimage and retreat. Simplicity may sound like an oasis in the desert during this time of year. I would like to invite you to join me this summer as we pilgrimage to Ghost Ranch Presbyterian Retreat Center in the high desert of New Mexico.

We have several options for spiritual renewal and retreat the week of June 14-19 available to us. Jamie Traylor and I are going to share more with you this Sunday during the announcements and will be available afterwards to answer any questions. There are experiences for all ages and stages in life.

Living simply is not about deciding to get your life under control but about giving control of your life to God.

I think that in times like these, God calls us to assess our situation and take some time to retreat for a few hours, a day or a weekend to reflect and prepare for all that the busy seasons of the year require. I would invite you to reflect on when Jesus talks about wealth and worries in Matthew 6, his message is simple: seek God, trust God, and receive God.

In the midst of all of the busyness, how can we focus our lives on seeking God, trusting God and receiving God?
How might these responses effect the way we enter into this day or then next busy season of our lives?

Here is just a glimpse of what an oasis in the desert can look like at Ghost  Ranch:

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, may we who have plenty live simply. Guide us so that we will seek you, trust you and receive you each day.  
In Christ's Name, Amen.