I could use a long list of “re… words” to describe what we all need more often than we actually have opportunity to access. Recharging, reloading, rebuilding, or restoring are all objectives when I seek time to get away. There’s an exciting expectation to rest, but also engage in uncommon activities which revive my body, mind, and spirit. As our family often does, we retreat to the coast. Rejecting the pile of tasks to do and the books to be read, my senses are rejuvenated by the sounds of the sea, the sand between me toes, and the taste of good seafood. Ah, what a place and time to recover well!

Not all of you know, I’ve had four surgeries in the past two years, not counting several ear surgeries in the past and an ACL replacement in a knee several years ago. I know about recovery, both quick and very slow. When I found and felt those breakthrough moments, “WOW!, I’m going to get back… recover.” Well, I’m in one of those breakthrough moments right now with a total shoulder replacement and loving the success and expecting the day I can say. “I’m fully recovered.” My mind and spirit needs that as well. I look forward to recovering well.

Today, as we make our way to our most common coastal destination, I so look forward to the mystical gifts of recreation (re-creation) and renewal. Hopefully, hearing a Word from the Lord… Expecting to recover well. Recovering well brings excitement, renewed energy, and focus. I also look forward to these gifts spilling over into our ministry to city kids. I’ll need the energy and focus as CEF Durham will partner with others to hold a 6-week camp for city kids this summer.