Rest « Garden of Delight

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Be Still

At the asking of a fellow missionary, I have accepted the Lord’s invitation to spend 3 days in silence retreat. I have not done this before and am not sure if I can remain at ease not talking at all when there are people around. Many friends are equally concerned that I may feel very uncomfortable considering my bubbly personality. I am thankful that God is gracious to bless me a great time of rest and joy.

Upon checking in, I found out I will be the only one staying on the ground floor. Sr. Cecilia has specially arranged the room for me because of my fractured foot whereas everyone has to “climb” the stairs to get to their rooms on the 2nd floor. It was a big place. With not much light outside, the memory of the trauma at Timor came flooding my mind. But the Lord spoke, “Do not fear for I am with you“. God’s comforting words calmed my heart, I did not fear for the first time since returning home.

I felt safe, protected & peaceful that I became very comfortable as I sat on the bed, and before long, I was sleeping soundly… more rest followed the next day with naps after breakfast and lunch. It had been a restful time.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

- Matthew 11:28

It was refreshing to be in God’s presence, just BEING with Him, enjoying Him and not have to DO anything. In the absence of man, we can hear God. During this retreat, God reminded me of the joy I have in Timor, the smiles on each of the kids in Maubisse, the gifts I have been blessed to connect with the kids at their tender age. Not forgetting their parents & many others whom the Lord has brought into my path. I thank God for blessing the friendships to blossom & I pray that I will earn the privilege to bring the truth to them one day. At the same time, I am also reminded to rest & trust in God to take me back to Timor, at His time.

As I checked out of the retreat centre, the passage spoken by the spiritual director lingered on ….

Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
       and because I love you,
       I will give men in exchange for you,
       and people in exchange for your life.

- Isaiah 43:4

Indeed, we are all precious & honoured in our Father’s sight. Praise God for His unfailing love whose power will see us through all circumstances. I am thankful for the people God has sent to care & comfort me, helping to heal & restore my soul. Amen.

In His Love,

Lydia

Categories Rest
Author Lydia W

Find Rest My Soul

6 Sep

Since arriving at Timor Leste on 18.8.09, the OLOY ET team’s schedule had been packed with orientation, CHE (Community Health Evangelism) training, shopping for furnishing as well as moving up to Maubisse with Ps Ivan. The renovation of our rented home is not completed (though landlord had promised to hand over the house on 31.8.09) so we had to stay at guest houses for the time being. Team was feeling physically and emotionally tired.

Ocean View Beach Resort - "Floating" Restaurant

To recharge and refresh, team decided to check out a beach resort highly recommended by many Singaporeans who had been to Timor Leste. After driving through an industrial area, what greeted us was a beautiful beach, then the rustic resort that was complete with a “floating restaurant” at the sea. The resort’s atmosphere was laid-back and peaceful.

Danny, owner of the Ocean View Beach Resort

As we soaked in the sea breeze while waiting for lunch, Danny the hospitable owner showed us the chalets and gardens at the back of the hotel. I was most impressed with the chalet (mobile home actually!) which came complete with a sun deck where I enjoyed reading and watching sunset in the evening.

Beach Chalet

After lunch, each of the team members had time to be alone by himself/herself to rest; email/surf internet (WiFi available!) to catch up with loved ones; take a stroll at the beach or read a book! Thank God for the restful afternoon and running water for shower.

View of the Beach

In the evening, we were most appreciative of God’s provision of roast duck & roast pork which Danny had prepared in-house. Danny had brought in the traditional Chinese roasting oven so he could prepare such almost-impossible-to-find dishes to bless many Singaporean friends ☺ All of us went to bed feeling very blessed by our Almighty God who has made the impossible a reality for us!