“An Old Familiar Cabin”
Every once in a while, we all feel that tug to pull away from the world and recharge our batteries. Life can make us weary, schedules can keep us on the run, and the constant hurry can drain us. If we’re able to get away, a retreat may be just the thing we’re looking for.
A few hours down the road from where my boyfriend (AKA husband) and I live is a little town in Oklahoma populated mostly with rental cabins. We make it a point to escape from city life two or three times a year and head to a cabin for a few days’ relaxation and rest.
We’ve made the trip so often, we have a packing list on our computer. As we mark off the days leading up to our getaway, we print out the list to make sure we don’t forget the essentials.
Once we start driving through pine trees and cross the Red River, we know we’re getting closer to our “home away from home.” We arrive at our rental, unload and unpack, and let the slow times roll.
We cook all of our meals – no need to get out, no schedule to follow. We share kitchen duties. He grills. I make salads and veggies. We do the dishes together.
We read, take walks, play cards and board games. We spend a good part of the day out on the deck, listening to the wind in the tops of the trees and watching for birds and deer. In the evenings, we listen to music and talk about things that matter. We might watch a movie, but the TV mostly stays off. We hold hands a lot.
We don’t set an alarm. When we wake up, there’s lots of coffee and Jesus and the Word. It’s one lazy day after another, and we need it.
There’s actually plenty to do in and near the little town. A lake for a day on the water, a river for flyfishing, attractions for the shoppers and explorers. But we’re content to get to our cabin, settle in, and retreat. Cabin life is our happy place, and it does wonders for our souls. We always come home rested, restored, and ready to jump back in.
My friend Kim and I recently got to talking about the fourteenth chapter of the book of Exodus. I was studying through Exodus, where my life verse is found: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (verse 14). Kim shared some profound insights and reminders from the many times she’d read through the chapter. Finally, she commented, “Exodus 14 is one of those chapters that just feels like an old familiar cabin. I love to go there and rest!”
Wow, did that ever strike a chord! How right she was! That chunk of Scripture is a rich, deep place where I can go and meditate on the Lord, on His goodness and power, and on His love and care for me. My heart is encouraged. My spirit is restored. My soul is calmed and strengthened.
Exodus 14 is one of my spiritual “cabins.” Where is your cabin? To what section of Scripture do you run to find yourself feeling safe and held and at home with the Lord?
Imagine Jesus standing on the porch of the Word. A cold, chilly wind is blowing in ominous storm clouds. Through the window of the cabin, you can see a fire burning in the fireplace. There’s a cozy spot on the couch waiting for you. Hot tea is brewing, and a warm blanket is draped over the back of the couch for your comfort. Come and find the retreat your weary soul needs. Rest. Jesus is beckoning you. Come home to the Word.
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“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.” – Psalm 18:30
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’” – Matthew 4:4
“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” – Proverbs 30:5
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105
