Clay in the Hands

I haven’t really written much about my experience a few weeks ago (in fact, I haven’t really written much at all in the last few weeks). I am the type of person that needs time to process things – especially big, life changing experiences. And so, I think I am still in the processing phase.

The week after Easter, I spent the better part of a week at a remote location in New Mexico. I had read about Christ In the Desert Monastery almost 20 years ago during my doctoral work and thought to myself, “some day I want to go and experience time in solitude and silence there.” Through the pandemic, I began to realize that not only did I want to give it a try, I actually needed to do so.

On Monday after Easter, I made my way to the Chama river in northern New Mexico. I did not realize, until I arrived, that the location is the most remote monastery in North America. After driving over an hour north of Santa Fe, I turned onto a dirt road and drove another 40 minutes into the desert to finally arrive at a monastery that was built in 1964.

Turning off of the pavement also meant leaving civilization – cell service ended within the first quarter mile. I have to say, I was intimidated to be doing something so out of my comfort zone. I am a very “connected all the time” person. My To Do list is current minute by minute through the day. I watch email incessantly. And any little red dot on my phone notifying me of some, most likely trivial information, steals my attention nearly every time they appear on my screen.

Being disconnected for four days with no work to do was one of the hardest things I have done in a long time. But I must say, it was life-giving. I arrived on Monday afternoon late, but it wasn’t until Wednesday afternoon that I began to notice my mind had slowed down and I could focus more clearly on God’s word and hearing His voice.

I intentionally took only a notepad and my Bible – no work, no computer – nada! I spent time in the Psalms and just listened for God’s voice. I also read through most of Romans, taking time to really think about what I read there and to listen for what God would have me take in.

I’ll be writing more of my experience in the days ahead, but the point of me sharing this today is that it is so important for us to take time to put ourselves into situations where we can be still and simply be. I challenge you to find 10 minutes today to “turn off of the pavement.” Find time to completely disconnect and just be present to Jesus. It will certainly make it easier to recognize His voice.

You will not regret it.