Caleb 7/27/07I have taken a few days off and have headed up to the North Shore. There were times in Jesus ministry when he just walked away from the crowds to spend time with the Father. I have found that it is this principle that while easy and essential, is often over looked by people in ministry.

About ten years ago I began taking silent retreats once or twice a year. These times away have proven to be some of the richest and most rewarding times with God. I have learned more about myself (my heart, my hopes and dreams as well as my weaknesses). God has used these times to clarify who I was and where I was going.

In addition to these times of solitude and silence, I have developed an awareness that when big or important decisions needed to be made, I need to step away. These times to step back and process and pray have proven to be invaluable. I have made great, godly decisions over and over, when I have invited God to speak into the quite places. When I have slowed down, and listened, God has always been faithful to lead me and guide my steps.

So, I have come to the place again when I am feeling the need to have God clarify some things and speak into some major decisions. At the same time I have a unique opportunity to model how I invite God into my process with my son.

Caleb (10) and I sojourned to a cabin in the forest of Northern Minnesota for a few days of reading the Scripture, processing “dads” important decisions, and seeking God together.

This is perhaps the first time in my life, wherein I have been aware that the process of making a decision is probably in all likelihood going to be more important and more impacting than even the decision itself. This moment of parenting my son, teaching him, how to be a godly man could in fact be the most significant thing I have ever done as a dad.

We are starting today with a great breakfast at Bluefin Bay and then we’ll hop rocks up the Beaver River, find a great spot and spend a good chunk of the day in prayer. I would appreciate any prayers for these few days away.