I’m in Marathon, TX this week with 30 clergy leaders and some of my staff.  We’re involved in a “Back to the Well” retreat to rest, refresh, and recharge after a heavy Easter week and a long winter of ministry.  It’s “sorta like Spring” out here in West Texas.  But the renewal has swept through us quickly, like the winds that are constantly blowing.

Some will think that we are just on vacation.  Some will think that we are just sunning by the pool.  Some will think that we are just hiking through Big Bend National Park.  But, I can tell you that after an evening of prayers, fellowship and interaction with these friends, we are doing soul work.

Tonight we named those things that delight our soul.  No one said “Work!”  Many said, “Witnessing Redemption!”  All of us are hoping for redemption this week in some form or another!

So maybe this is just a vacation couched in spiritual terms.  Maybe this is just a nap by the pool or a walk in the park.  But in response to our skeptics, I would say, this is soul work…redemptive soul work…and we are back to the well, hoping for another sip of Living Water.  Come quickly Lord Jesus!