Weekend getaways

My colleague asked me incredulously if I really went to Penang over the weekend. After all, it was a working day on Friday and I had to come back to work on Monday, today. I told her I did. My flight was at 650p.m. on Friday evening and it arrived at Penang Airport at 8p.m. We took a cab to our accommodation, checked in, walked around, had supper and rested. And the next two days before our flight back at 9p.m. on Sunday evening was filleed with lots of rest, walking, food, massage and shopping.

I nearly finished a new book, Making Disciples by Ralph Moore. I was going into the most interesting parts of the book when the plane had to touch down. The last few chapters are:  Problems you will encounter, Why some small groups won't, don't and can't work, A feedback loop that keeps you relevant and Good things do come to an end. I can't wait to finish the book this weekend.

Spending time with God and loved ones is always energizing, isn't it? It is a time of rest for me; physical rest, mental rest, emotional rest, spiritual rest... I thought I looked fresher and more alive than most of my colleagues in that room. Was I tired? A little. But the routine of getting up early for work, followed by marking, hospital visits, an occasional exercise session and doing my course-related studying and assignment is even more tiring. Short getaways are a reprieve from the weariness I feel, especially with things concerning my Dad. I always feel down after I visit him. Yet I am reminded that what is most important is that his spirits are kept alive. Looking at him keeps me praying.

Tomorrow is the day when he goes through his third major surgery in a year. I am praying for peace for Dad, a restedness and assurance in his heart that God is with him, and God is in control and God loves him. I am praying for a smooth surgery and excellent wound healing. God our healer, hear these prayers.
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