Thanks for everyone that prayed for my 24-hour unplug last week. It was a great time roaming God’s creation, seeking His face and searching His Word. I thought I’d give a short recap of what exactly I did while I was there.
On the way there I did two unthinkable things. First, I didn’t listen to talk radio. Second, though I’ve been to Otyokwah many times, I didn’t take the route I was familiar with. Instead, I let my GPS get me there. It took me a different route, and the new scenery and new route was both refreshing and unnerving.
When I got to Otyokwah, the familiar cabin was waiting for me. Everything was in its place, but most comforting to me was the huge front porch and the fire ring full of leaves. It was great to get there…and I fought the urge to start a fire right away.
Instead of starting a fire, I walked up to “Vesper Hill”. It is probably the tallest spot at camp, and has a huge concrete cross at the top of the hill. I stayed there for a while, enjoying the familiar surroundings and quiet reflection and prayer.
Then I went for a hike, which is when things got interesting.
During my hike I continued to enjoy nature and a great time of quiet reflection with God. During the couple of hours I spent hiking I saw a bunch of signs for trails, but I ignored most of them, feeling confident that I knew where I was going.
I planned on back to camp on the opposite side from which I had left. I was surprised when I instead came out on a road about a mile from camp. Thankfully, I recognized some landmarks that guided me safely back to the main Otyokwah entrance! Ignoring the signs got me “lost”…following the landmarks got me back to camp.
Finally, it was time to start the fire, which burned from about 3pm until 9pm when it started raining. I spent hours around the fire playing the guitar and praying. I prayed so very intently for Michele and the boys. I prayed over every adult and child in our church directory by name. That is over 900 people, and it was truly an honor to pray for so many people in such a short time.
So, the time at Otyokwah was relaxing, refreshing and challenging. Most of the 24-hours went just as I planned. What I did NOT plan was the unexpected reminders of how important it is to follow God’s directions as I walk through my daily life.
- The unfamiliar trip there reminded me that we are sometimes so comfortable with our lives that we miss something brand new that God may have in store for us…if only we’ll follow His directions.
- My hike reminded me of how easy it is to lose my way in life, even when it seems like I’m covering ground I’ve covered many times before. If I fail to follow His directions, I’ll inevitably get lost.
- The landmarks that guided me back to camp reminded me of God’s faithfulness to bring me home when I stray from Him. He will provide the landmarks I need to return, but I’ve got to be paying attention.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. Psalms 119:105-106 (NLT)
2 comments
bill mowry says:
November 24, 2009 at 8:05 pm (UTC -5 )
Tom – I enjoyed the photos and recap. I felt I was there with you. Its always great to “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God …”(Psalm 46:10 MSV). B
Ryan Smith says:
November 10, 2009 at 1:20 pm (UTC -5 )
I am glad that you had an amazing time with God in a setting that is very befitting of His artistic nature. I am looking forward myself to getting away in early spring.