Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Lord, I feel its time for a mountaintop retreat. 
But I won't retreat to a mountaintop like Jesus--
because I have a job that requires me to be there?
because I have other obligations/plans i've made?
because I don't know where to find a mountaintop?
Because I don't know how to be alone.
that's really it. 

How did you do it Jesus?
How did you go off for 40 days and 40 nights--alone?
Did you hear your father's voice?  
Or were you alone in the same way I would be if I were to go off like that--
for even one night?

Everything keeps me from wanting to be alone. 
Is that really what is needed to meet with you?
Sometimes, yes.  

I've been so despondent today. 
And there is not one person I want to talk to--
and yet I want so much to talk to someone.
I want to be with a good friend--who has no where else to be--
who will stay with me as long as I need--
who will be fully present.
Lord--from all I know and all I believe--
you are that good friend.
It doesn't take a word with you.
When all words stop--
"when i simply come."

My prayer Lord--lead me to the mountains to be with you. 
I already know the temptation that awaits--
my thoughts will turn to -'am i just wasting time'...'am i missing out on something better?'
Sometimes, when i am alone--like tonite--
i get a little nervous that i won't move--
i won't get up from my bed--
i won't have the will to go on living--
i will be totally forgotten about.

These are deep and unspoken fears, 
but i know they are there. 

Lord, lead me to the mountains, to be with you.


Monday, June 23, 2008

Deanna and Graham

Man. Bachelorette was intense tonight. Deanna let Graham go. She was crying and telling him, "you have no idea how hard this is for me." I think Deanna needed to let him go. I think she was only in for more hurt and disappointment with him. She didn't get him.
"I like to talk about and communicate what I am feeling...You run away." Graham took that for the blow it was: "I don't run away. I handle it internally." Deanna--"You are so closed off." Graham, visibily hurt, took another blow silently and moved deeper into his internal place. Deanna totally insulted him for...being different than her. Having a personality that deals with things in different ways.
So easy to see it when I'm watching it on tv...but in real life--i think i would have felt the same way Deanna did. I HATE it when 'he' won't share with me....when he is different than me. And yet, that different-ness is the very thing you love too!