Jen’s Gem: You’re priceless to God.

It’s hard to believe that this time last week I was preparing for my getaway to Newport. My mini retreat was amazing and I’m already thinking about another trip. I returned feeling refreshed and beyond grateful to the people who made this time away possible for me.

It’s hard to believe that this time last week I was preparing for my getaway to Newport. My mini retreat was amazing and I’m already thinking about another trip. I returned feeling refreshed and beyond grateful to the people who made this time away possible for me.

My drive to Newport was smooth sailing. Traffic flowed and the route is pretty straightforward. As I approached the “Welcome to Rhode Island” sign on the highway, I shouted – “I’m here! I’m here!” When I arrived at the hotel, I paced my room for a few minutes not knowing what to do first! I was like a kid in a candy store. 

• Do I chill out on the rooftop deck?
• Do I go downtown and shop?
• Do I take a walk on the beach?
• Do I eat?

My gut (hee hee) told me to eat as it’d been hours since breakfast and the handful of almonds I ate along the way were not cutting it. I decided that better decisions could be made on a full belly. Lunch was followed by a long walk on the amazing beach. The day’s excitement caught up with me and I slept like a baby in a bed that I wanted to bring home with me.

The next day was filled with more time at the beach, a trip to town for dinner, and a bit of trinket shopping. My last night was spent reading and watching a few videos a friend had sent me. Morning came quickly and I took one last walk on the beach.

On the surface, this getaway seems pretty mundane. However, the lessons I learned were powerful. I’d like to share a few of them.

• Read the instructions on the coffee maker before bed.

I don’t know why I have such trouble with hotel coffee machines. This one could not have been simpler yet I miscalculated the amount of water and coffee spilled everywhere.

• Follow the directions on your GPS. 

Even though my GPS was programmed with the hotel address (which was less than a mile away from town), I relied on my memory and drove in a circle three times before finding the path back.

• Dress appropriately.

 My weather app noted summer-like temps despite it being the end of September, yet it did not advise me of the “feels like” temperature. Needless to say, no one got to see my cute summer dress under my hoodie.

You’re likely saying to yourself, “Really Jen? This is what you learned? These are the profound insights you received? You could’ve saved yourself a lot of money!” You’re right. However indulge me for a moment.

These simple lessons, focused on my provision, comfort, and safety are summed up in a Scripture that God put on my heart as I was walking on the beach that last morning.

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:25-27 NKJV)

As I approach the next season of my life and seek God’s direction, there are many leaps of faith I will be taking. I believe God wanted to remind me that He’s there for me in the baby steps as well as the leaps. Interestingly (or not!), it is the same Scripture that I turned to during the darkest time of my life.

Don’t worry. God will provide. God loves you.

So simple, yet so profound. God knew I needed some time away and He provided a means for me to do so through the generosity of friends. By His amazing creation of the ocean and birds, He reminded me that He loves me and cares about me. When I let go of my timetable, He showed up in a big way.

My journal is filled with notes God downloaded to me on the last morning of my trip. They came so fast that I could not keep up with Him! (The same thing happened with my book.)  As I begin to transform these notes into my next project, I know that He’ll make a way.

Here’s all I need to do (and you too if you are seeking a new season):

1. Continue to read the instruction manual (the Bible). Check out 2 Timothy 3: 16-17.

2. Follow the direction I’m given (through the Holy Spirit). Check out John 14:26.

3. Put on the right clothing (the full armor of God). Check out Ephesians 6:10-20.

So simple, yet life changing and you didn’t even need to leave your house!